IRGC Warns Saudi Ships: Do Not Pass Through International Waters Near Us

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned participating ships in the "Gulf Shield 1" exercise that "you should not even pass through international waters close to Iran's territorial waters." In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, it was stated: "The passage of any military vessels participating in the announced exercise from the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran is not permitted, and you should not approach the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic in any way, nor pass through international waters close to the territorial waters of the Islamic Republic of Iran." The IRGC added that even the passage of vessels present in the exercise from "waters close to Iran's waters" is "in no way considered innocent passage." Hossein Aryan, a military affairs expert, told Radio Farda that according to international law, the passage of ships and marine vessels, whether military or civilian, is free in international waters. Aryan stated that outside Iran's 12-mile maritime limit is considered international waters, and Iran cannot legally prevent the passage of commercial and military ships in these waters. He noted that there is an exception for the Strait of Hormuz, like other straits in the world, and according to maritime regulations, "innocent passage" of military and civilian vessels through straits is permitted. Saudi Arabia began a naval exercise in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman on October 13. Reports indicate that live ammunition is being used in this exercise. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced that warships, fast boats, naval aircraft, and special maritime security units are participating in this exercise. However, the IRGC stated in its announcement that it "believes this exercise is fundamentally a clear instance of creating tension and reducing sustainable security in the Persian Gulf." The IRGC warned at the end of this statement that "any movement, effort, and action to disrupt the peace and security of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Sea of Oman will be met with proportional and immediate response." Earlier, Admiral Majid Al-Qatani, commander of the "Gulf Shield 1" exercise, told the Saudi state news agency that the aim of this maneuver is to increase the readiness of his country's forces to defend the interests of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against any potential aggression. The propaganda atmosphere between Iran and Saudi Arabia is highly tense. The two countries have currently severed official relations and have no diplomatic communication with each other. Senior officials of the Islamic Republic, including Ali Khamenei, the leader, and military and security commanders, have repeatedly threatened Saudi Arabia in recent months. In this context, a military official described Saudi Arabia as the "priority threat" against the Islamic Republic.