Iran: Self-restraint Has Limits, Attacking Aid Ships to Yemen to Spark Regional War
Local Editor
A senior Iranian military official has warned the Saudi-led War coalition attacking Yemen that blocking an Iranian aid ship bound for Yemen will "spark a fire."
"I bluntly declare that the self-restraint of Islamic Republic of Iran is not limitless," Gen. Masoud Jazayeri, the deputy chief of staff, told Iran’s Arabic-language al-Alam state TV late Tuesday.
"Both Saudi Arabia and its novice rulers, as well as the Americans and others, should be mindful that if they cause trouble for the Islamic Republic with regard to sending humanitarian aid to regional countries, it will spark a fire, the putting out of which would definitely be out of their hands."
He further stated: "I clearly announce that the self-restraint of the Islamic Republic of Iran has its limits."
Iran announced that the ship, which departed Monday, is carrying food, medicine, tents and blankets, as well as reporters, rescue workers and peace activists. It says the ship is expected to arrive at Yemen’s port city of Hodeida next week. Iran’s navy said Tuesday it will protect the ship.
On Tuesday, a senior Iranian commander said that Iran’s navy will protect the cargo ship on route to Yemen.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran’s 34th naval group, which is currently in the Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait, is responsible for supporting Iran’s humanitarian aid cargo ship," IRNA quoted Admiral Hossein Azad as saying on Tuesday.
He added that the naval group includes the Alborz destroyer and the Bushehr logistic ship, which are both currently on a 90-day mission, "demonstrating Iran’s navel might, insure the security of international shipping lines and defend the country’s interests."
In Washington, US Army Col. Steve Warren said the American military is monitoring the cargo ship and warned that it would not be helpful if Iran is "planning some sort of stunt."
