A proposed European initiative to bolster maritime security in the Persian Gulf would only complement ongoing US efforts instead of being a ‘stand-alone’ operation, the top US general said on Wednesday.
This comes after UK proposed a plan earlier this week for a European-led naval mission to ensure security through the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route for world’s oil supply.
Meanwhile, US in June first proposed some sort of multinational effort open to all allies and partners to bolster maritime security in the region, after accusing Iran of attacking oil tankers around the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked about the British proposal, US Marine General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said his discussions “right now wouldn’t indicate that that’s a stand-alone effort that’s separate from ours,” Reuters reported.
I view that as a European contribution to maritime security that would be complementary, if not integrated, with what the United States is doing,
…he was quoted as saying.
In Washington, Defense Secretary Mark Esper echoed Dunford’s comments, saying the European initiative was “complementary” and that there would be coordination.
I think it’s all helpful. It’s all sending the same messages we’re trying to send – that is, freedom of navigation and no provocative acts in the strait,
…he told reporters.
See here a timeline of the events which have caused a global diplomatic crisis and fed the escalated tension among major state players, like US and Iran.
