The US plane service USS Nimitz will stay within the Gulf as a result of “recent threats” by Iran, the Pentagon mentioned Sunday, following studies the ship was returning residence in what some learn as an indication of de-escalation.
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The Nimitz has been patrolling Gulf waters since late November, however American media mentioned this week that the appearing US protection secretary, Christopher C. Miller, had ordered the vessel to return residence.
The New York Times, quoting US officers, mentioned this transfer was a part of a “de-escalatory” sign to Tehran to keep away from a battle in President Donald Trump’s final days in workplace.
However, Miller issued a press release on the contrary late Sunday.
“Due to the recent threats issued by Iranian leaders against President Trump and other US government officials, I have ordered the USS Nimitz to halt its routine redeployment,” he mentioned.
“The USS Nimitz will now remain on station in the US Central Command area of operations. No one should doubt the resolve of the United States of America.”
His assertion got here one 12 months after a US drone strike in Baghdad killed Iran’s revered commander Qassem Soleimani and his Iraqi lieutenant Abu Mahdi al-Muhandes.
Thousands of Iraqi mourners chanted “revenge” and “no to America” on Sunday.
The anniversary of the Baghdad drone strike was additionally marked in latest days throughout Iran and by supporters in Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and elsewhere.
Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from a landmark nuclear take care of Iran and world powers in 2018 and launched a “maximum pressure” marketing campaign in opposition to Tehran, reimposing and reinforcing crippling sanctions.
The two international locations have twice come to the brink of struggle since June 2019, particularly following the killing of Soleimani.
Days after the Soleimani assassination, Iran launched a volley of missiles at Iraqi bases housing US and different coalition troops, with Trump refraining from any additional army response.
Read extra:
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Last Update: Monday, 04 January 2021 KSA 06:22 – GMT 03:22
