We also do not know what the role of Russia, their allies, in this Iranian despotism will look like. Will Russia be their partner in this “caliphate” according to the standards of Khomeini’s version of Islam, or a follower or a rival? We bring this up amid increasing indications of a Russian-Iranian dispute in Syria due to conflicting interests and different visions. Recently, Major Safavi said that the former Russian empire “stole” Iranian lands and he lamented the Qajar state’s inability to stand up to Russia because it “did not plant the spirit of martyrdom” among its people and he particularly noted treaties such as the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813.

 

While meeting with Iranian naval force officials last Sunday to discuss enhancing Iranian influence in international waters, Khamenei said: “The capacity of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s naval power must suit the Islamic system and the nobility of this country.”

 

Meanwhile, Houthi militias and forces loyal to deposed President Ali Abdullah Saleh formed a new government all by themselves. They assigned the ministry of transportation to Houthi military figure Zakaria al-Shami. Many think the aim is to coordinate smuggling operations, via land and sea, to Saleh and the Houthis, the agents of Iran.

 

Gulf countries are aware of these threats. This is why in 2014, they began establishing a joint Gulf naval committee and important naval exercises were held in Bahrain last March.

 

I think Iran – in line with Khomeini style propaganda - is just yelling like thugs in an alley. They don’t have any real capabilities but their yelling is harmful and calls for full vigilance. We now wait to see how the new American president will deal with this Khomeini style terrorism near the Hormuz Strait, near American fleets. By the way, when it comes to such issues, Operation Decisive Storm is absolutely necessary. This is just a reminder!