ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The US military’s Middle East command welcomed Bahrain’s decision to join the US-led international coalition to preserve navigation freedom in the Persian Gulf region amidst growing tensions with Iran. "I appreciate His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa's decision to join the United Kingdom and the United States in taking an active role in preserving the freedom of navigation, promoting maritime security and de-escalating regional tensions," read a statement from General Kenneth F. McKenzie, Jr., Commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM). The kingdom becomes the first Arab country to join the alliance, which now includes the US, UK and Bahrain. The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based in the island country off the coast of the Arabian peninsula. McKenzie hailed "the Kingdom of Bahrain's leadership and support in preventing aggression from curtailing that freedom" while noting that the free flow of commerce throughout the international waterways is a "linchpin of the global economy." "Threats to the free flow of commerce are an international problem requiring an international solution, and we are pleased that the Kingdom of Bahrain will be a part of that solution," he said. The current tensions in the Persian Gulf date back to last year when Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and re-imposed crippling economic sanctions on Iran. This prompted Tehran to suspend some of its commitments under the deal, creating fears amongst the remaining European parties to the deal that the landmark agreement could collapse. There have been a series of attacks on oil vessels in the Persian Gulf in May and June this year, creating fears for the freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. The US is currently trying to create an international coalition to protect the freedom of navigation. The US, UK and their regional allies accuse Iran of fomenting tension in the region, but Tehran denies the accusations, claiming that the existence of American forces in the region is the source of instability. In an interview with NBC News, Ali Shamkhani, military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accused the US of being the aggressor and prime source of tension in the region. He warned Washington to "act with wisdom." Shamkhani also admitted that his country should have never signed the international nuclear deal during President Barack Obama's tenure. Should the U.S. and Iran become engaged in an open military conflict, Shamkhani told NBC News that Iran has "multiple instruments at hand, including the proxy war," but he did not specify who those proxies might be. Iran is a long-time supporter of Hezbollah, Hamas and Yemen's Houthi rebels. "As long as this approach is taken by the United States, Iran will never ever seek negotiations,” he said. Many countries around the world are currently considering the American request to form a naval coalition, as Washington has sent official invitations to over 60 nations. So far, Germany, has refused to join and Australia has expressed willingness. Israel’s intention of joining the coalition has caused an outcry in the region, prompting Tehran and Baghdad to denounce the possibility. Earlier this month during a signing ceremony of a new joint partnership between Australia and the NATO alliance, the Australian defense minister revealed that Canberra is considering the request by both Washington and London. ”I can reiterate that the Australian government is, remains very concerned about the increased tensions in the Straits of Hormuz and we are considering the American request, and also now the request from the United Kingdom, but we have not yet made any decision," Defense Minister Linda Reynolds told reporters. The most vocal supporter of joining the coalition in Israel is Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz, who insisted that their country's active involvement will become a key interest for Jerusalem. “The main goal is to bring about a game changer in our relations with the Gulf states," Katz said. Amid continued heightened Gulf tensions between Tehran and the US, the Gibraltar government announced on Sunday that despite considering with “great care” Washington’s request to detain Iran’s Grace 1 supertanker, the British Overseas Territory was unable to assist the US government because EU member states operate under a different sanctions regime. “The Gibraltar Central Authority is unable [to] seek an Order of the Supreme Court of Gibraltar to provide the restraining assistance required by the United States of America,” read an emailed statement from the Gibraltar government on Sunday. The Grace 1 tanker was seized on July 4 by Britain’s Royal Marines at the request of the Gibraltar authorities on suspicion of transferring two million barrels of Iranian oil to Syria, which is under EU sanctions. Last week, Iranian officials said the tanker was preparing to set sail under an Iranian flag and had been renamed the Adrian Darya for the voyage on July 15. The IRGC responded to the seizure of Grace 1 by impounding the British-flagged tanker Stena Impero on July 19.
