Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force

According to the official Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA) on Thursday, Iran's Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has declared that the suggested US-backed multinational task force to allegedly protect shipping in the Red Sea is due to find itself facing ‘extraordinary problems’.

“If they make such an irrational move, they will be faced with extraordinary problems,” Ashtiani said, without specifying what actions would be taken in response to the US move.

This comes in light of US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirming to reporters last week that the US is discussing with ‘other countries’ the formation of a ‘maritime task force ... to ensure safe passage of ships in the Red Sea’.

In response, Yemeni Ansar Allah Political Bureau member Abdul-Malik al-Ajri said on Wednesday, "There is no way of preventing the escalation except by moving towards a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip."