Iran: Foreign troops in region could threaten ‘energy security’

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday warned that foreign troops in the Persian Gulf region could threaten the world’s “energy security.”

He also said at a military parade in Tehran that Iran offers a “hand of friendship and brotherhood” toward neighbors in the region and vowed to oversee security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Associated Press.

{mosads}His comments come after President Trump on Friday ordered more U.S. troops and equipment to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in response to drone and missile attacks on Saudi oil facilities, which administration officials have blamed on Iran.

Defense Secretary Mark Esper would not say how many U.S. troops will be deployed, but he said they are meant to “send a clear message that the United States supports our partners in the region,” “ensure the free flow of resources necessary to support the global economy” and to “demonstrate commitment to upholding the international rules based order that we have long called on Iran to obey.”

The Trump administration on Friday also slapped new sanctions on Iran’s central bank.

The AP noted that the Iranian parade on Sunday featured the system that shot down a U.S. drone this summer and a missile that can hit Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East. It added that state TV showed video of fast-attack boats, air defense and other equipment.

Reuters, meanwhile, reported that Rouhani will present a Gulf security plan at the United Nations this week.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have increased since President Trump withdrew the U.S. from an Obama-era nuclear deal last year and reimposed sanctions.

This report was updated at 9:15 a.m.

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