News in Brief
No need for western forces to ensure Persian Gulf security: IRGC Cmdr.
PRESS TV – A senior commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said there is no need for extra-regional forces to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf given that Iran and neighboring countries are cooperating to guarantee the security of the strategic waterway.
“The Islamic Republic’s security umbrella has been expanded across the region, and we have cooperation with other neighboring states in this regard,” commander of the third naval zone of the IRGC Rear Admiral Amrollah Nozari said on Tuesday.
Pointing to a Sunday naval parade in Bandar-e Mahshahr in Iran’s southwestern Khuzestan Province on the occasion of National Persian Gulf Day, he said the IRGC Navy is responsible to maintain national and shipping security in the region.
The commander also said that the IRGC Navy has an active and strong presence in the region to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf for the Iranian nation and other neighboring states.
Iran denies arresting Azerbaijani nationals
IRNA – An informed security source has dismissed reports that two citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan have been arrested in Iran.
“The government of Azerbaijan has made accusations regarding its nationals in Iran. Addressing these accusations requires further investigation,” the source told IRNA on Monday.
The individuals are under surveillance while an investigation is being carried out, the source added.
Media reports in recent days suggested that two Azerbaijani activists with a Shia movement called the “Husseiniyun Brigade” had been arrested in the holy city of Qom in central Iran.