Exclusive; US Navy: The Islamic Republic is undoubtedly the main threat and factor of instability in the region

The United States Navy announced on Monday, August 7, that "more than 3,000" American military personnel have entered the Red Sea with two warships as part of a troop deployment increase following the seizure of tankers by Iran. Tim Hawkins, spokesman for the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, stated in an exclusive phone interview with the Persian section of Voice of America that, "The presence of these forces provides special power and flexibility to the maritime security coalition." In this phone conversation, Hawkins emphasized the importance of this presence: "This presence is specifically a sign of a strong and steadfast commitment to maritime security throughout the Middle East. We have been operating in this region alongside our partners and allies for decades, and we are committed to ensuring maritime security, legal commercial activity, and trade. The forces that are on their way provide significant flexibility and capability while we are collaborating with our international partners in these activities." The spokesman for the US Fifth Fleet also stated, "Increased readiness is a crucial factor for deterrence against the destabilizing activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Hawkins added, "Of course, increasing operational power and flexibility is very good, especially in a region like the Middle East, which has vast and dynamic waters. We are talking about five thousand miles of waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula. The additional forces that have joined us give us the capability to have deterrence against destabilizing activities and also act as a factor for de-escalation in Iran's provocative activities that disrupt the movement and activities of commercial and trade vessels, as we have seen just recently." He also mentioned the main threats in the region, stating, "The number one threat in the region is undoubtedly the Islamic Republic of Iran. This threat falls into three areas. The first is the danger of nuclear activities pursued through diplomatic means. The second area involves conventional weapon activities, advancements, and the construction and transfer of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drone activities, including drone attacks on commercial vessels. The third area is Iran's support for proxy groups and the transfer of weapons and military technology, which we witness in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. These are prominent threats that are at the center of our and our allies' attention for an appropriate response." Regarding whether the current increase in power will be sufficient to counter the threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hawkins stated, "The force that has entered the region, along with the presence of the strike group USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall, has given us special operational power and flexibility, but these forces do not operate alone, and the US Navy does not operate alone in the waters of the Middle East. We are alongside our regional partners and international allies who have a serious commitment to maritime security and regional stability." When asked whether other coalition partners would also increase their forces, he replied, "What I can say is that our regional partners and global allies are with us all along this path, especially as we focus on resolving destabilizing activities, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. We leave it to them to discuss their activities and will not speak on their behalf." Last month, the United States also announced the deployment of a destroyer and F-35 and F-16 fighter jets, along with an amphibious readiness group/maritime expeditionary unit to the Middle East, aiming to counter the seizure of vessels by Iran in the Persian Gulf. The US military states, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has seized or attempted to seize nearly 20 vessels with international flags in the region over the past two years." The maritime security coalition led by the United States consists of 38 countries.