For Iran, many things are now coming together. If one connects the dots between these various themes, a pattern emerges.
The incident comes just weeks after Iran seized two foreign oil tankers in the region in early May and late April.
Iran cannot be permitted to develop a nuclear bomb because, once it has weaponized uranium, it will be able to blackmail the Middle East.
Cooper said that “the Paul Hamilton team is doing remarkable work as we step up our patrols with regional allies and partners…This effort is about enhancing our collective vigilance and presence.”
Stories of social inequality and potential environmental disasters are easy to find, but there is a hopeful side, if for no other reason than the difficulty of facing the alternative.
Iran is increasing its threats to shipping and also seeking to harass US naval forces in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Brigadier-General Alireza Sabahi-Fard noted that Iran’s powerful Air Defense Force is undisputed in the region.
Iranian officials said the seized vessel was headed to a country along the Persian Gulf.
Earlier this month, Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to re-establish relations.
Na’eh said everyone would do well to wait and see if the establishment of Iranian-Saudi ties even comes to fruition.
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