BAGHDAD — Iraq’s foreign minister says Iraq and Gulf Arab states don’t need foreign powers to secure navigation in the Persian Gulf as that would only increase regional tensions.
Mohammed al-Hakim tweeted Monday that regional states are capable of securing the strategic waterway themselves.
Al-Hakim's tweet was in response to efforts by the Trump administration to set up a U.S.-led naval security mission in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran's recent seizures of vessels has raised tensions with the West.
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The U.S. wants an international coalition to monitor and potentially escort commercial ships there. Britain said last week it would join the mission; no other U.S. allies have committed themselves so far.
Al-Hakim stressed Israel’s participation in such a mission was unacceptable. It’s not clear if Israel has been asked to participate.
