Reuters: Iran deploys warships off Yemen's coast
Reuters) - Iran sent two warships to the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, state media reported, establishing a military presence off the coast of Yemen where Saudi Arabia is leading a bombing campaign to oust the Iran-allied Houthi movement.
The Alborz destroyer and Bushehr support vessel sailed from Bandar Abbas on a mission to protect Iranian shipping from piracy, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said in comments cited by Press TV.
Saudi Arabia and several Arab allies have imposed an air and naval blockade on Yemen as part of a two-week campaign to oust the Houthis, who have taken most of the country and forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee to Riyadh.
WNU Editor: When reports started to circulate that Saudi Arabia and its allies were planning to establish a naval/air blockade around Yemen .... speculation on what Iran would then do started to circulate. I guess this is their response to that speculation .... and a direct warning to Saudi Arabia and others that they will not respect any blockade.
More News On Iran Deploying Warships Off The Coast of Yemen
Report: Iran sends navy vessels near Yemen amid airstrikes -- AP
Iran sends warship to Gulf of Aden for safety of Iranian vessels -- Xinhua News Agency (China)
Report: Two Iranian battleships sent to Gulf of Aden to protect maritime routes -- YNet News
Iran’s 34th Fleet ‘sailing to Gulf of Aden’ -- Times of Israel
Iran 'sends vessels near Yemen' -- Irish Times
Iranian Navy's 34th Flotilla of Warships Leaves for Gulf of Aden -- Tasnim
Iran Navy’s 34th fleet sets sail for Gulf of Aden -- Press TV