U.S. says will continue to deploy warships in Persian Gulf despite Iranian threats

[The Northerner]

Pentagon U.S. ‘committed to security and stability of region’; State Department: Iran threats show economic sanctions begin to bite.

The United States will continue to deploy its warships in the Gulf, a defense spokesman said on Tuesday after Iran threatened to take action if the U.S. Navy moves an aircraft carrier into the Gulf.

"These are regularly scheduled movements and in accordance with our long-standing commitments to the security and stability of the region and in support of ongoing operations," Commander Bill Speaks said in an emailed response to Reuters questions.

"The U.S. Navy operates under international maritime conventions to maintain a constant state of high vigilance in order to ensure the continued, safe flow of maritime traffic in waterways critical to global commerce," he said.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/u-s-says-will-continue-to-deploy-warships-in-persian-gulf-despite-iranian-threats-1.405289


Isn't this type of behavior considered to be antagonism and world policing?

[Muskypundit]

1. No, it is not antagonistic to not bow down to iranian threats.

It's antagonistic to make those threats in the first place. We regularly have naval ships in the gulf, and have for many many years. We shouldn't stop just because Iran thinks we should. As long as we operate in the international waters Iran is in the wrong to threaten us.

[mysuzuki2]

2. I think Iran has legitimate historical reasons to resent the US.

This being said however, the Persian Gulf is international waters and Iran is being very foolish to threaten the US' use of it. This kind of saber rattling is quite dangerous. Of course, you could also say the same thing about OUR saber rattling. I hope cool heads prevail on both sides!

[Old and In the Way]

3. The Straits of Hormuz is about 26 miles wide at its widest point...

is there a 12 mile international boundry there?


If so, that gives international shipping about a 2 mile channel to operate within. Seems pretty tight, unless the territory of Musandam is allowing shipping within their international boundry.