U.S. State Department Spokesperson Responds to Iran's Warning Regarding Saudi Maneuvers

Mark Toner, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, in response to a question regarding Tehran's warning about Saudi ships approaching Iranian waters during their military exercise in the Persian Gulf, stated that the United States "supports freedom of navigation in that region and other areas of the world." During a press conference on October 6, a reporter referenced Iran's warning and asked whether the U.S. State Department views these statements as an indication of increased tensions in the region. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps issued a statement on Wednesday reacting to the Saudi maneuvers in the Persian Gulf, stating, "Do not even pass through international waters close to Iran's territorial waters." Mr. Toner mentioned that he had not personally seen the statement and that the State Department would review it: "However, if it is as you say, I don't think we would view it as an increase in tension. Of course, this [statement] is certainly unhelpful. And we support freedom of navigation in that region, as well as around the world." The statement from the Revolutionary Guard was released a day after Saudi Arabia announced its naval exercise in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Hossein Aryan, a military affairs expert, told Radio Farda that according to international maritime law, the passage of ships and vessels, whether military or civilian, is free in international waters. According to Mr. Aryan, waters beyond 12 nautical miles from Iran's coast are considered international waters. The Revolutionary Guard stated in its announcement that even the passage of vessels during this exercise, close to Iran's waters, "does not constitute innocent passage." The crisis in relations between Tehran and Riyadh has a history, but currently, both are experiencing one of the most tense periods in their relations. Following the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia and the attack on its diplomatic missions in Iran, Riyadh severed its ties with Tehran. Some of Saudi Arabia's allies in the region have also reduced their relations with Tehran. Countries like the UAE have recently increased their criticisms of Iran. Iran and Saudi Arabia are involved in one of the deadliest regional crises, supporting opposing sides in the Syrian civil war. They also support rival factions in Yemen that have taken up arms against each other. Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon are other regional countries that are scenes of disputes between the two.