Americas

Americas

Pentagon responds to Iranâ€™s threats

04 January 2012 08:20 (UTC +04:00)

According to international news reports, Iran has warned the United States not to replace the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which last week left the strait -- the only sea passage to the open ocean for petroleum-producing nations in the Persian Gulf region.
â€œSuch regularly scheduled movements are in accordance with longstanding U.S. commitments to the regionâ€™s security and stability, and in support of ongoing operations,â€ Little told reporters.
Such carrier strike group deployments are needed to maintain continuity and operational support to ongoing missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, he added.
â€œOur interest is in safe and secure maritime passage for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz,â€ Little said.
US State Departmentâ€™s spokesperson Victoria Nuland said Iranâ€™s new threats justified the sanctions imposed against this country.