This archive report was first published on 5 November 2019.
On October 21, the US Navy launched its International Maritime Exercise (IMX), a three-week-long operation that brings together 50 countries in the Gulf. The exercise is the second largest of its kind, with 5,000 personnel, 40 vessels, and 17 aircraft deployed to the strategic waterway.
The IMX is a response to a series of attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, which began in May. Washington and other Western powers have blamed Iran for the incidents, but Tehran has denied any involvement.
"This is the first time we are taking part in the IMX," said Ali Bin Shreidi, the head of a Saudi naval de-mining team, aboard the Cardigan Bay, a British Royal Fleet Auxillary landing ship dock, 40 miles off the Bahrain coast.
The IMX is not only a show of military might but also an opportunity for countries to share expertise and increase their capabilities in fighting mines and protecting navigation.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a British-flagged oil tanker in July, holding it for over two months before releasing the vessel. The US Navy has also alleged that a mine resembling Iranian weaponry was used in an attack on the Japanese-owned Kokuka Courageous tanker in June.
As tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to soar, the US has formed a naval coalition to protect navigation in the Gulf. Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have joined the coalition, while the United Kingdom and Australia have agreed to send warships to escort commercial shipping in the region.
However, most European states have declined to participate in the naval coalition, fearful of undermining their efforts to save the nuclear accord with Iran.
Published on November 5, 2019, at 23:27:08.
