Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says the presence of foreign forces in the Persian Gulf creates insecurity in the region, Press TV reported.

“The principle strategy for the elimination of threats and insecurities is that foreign forces return to their region,” said Mehmanparast on Wednesday, Feb 15, adding, “Regional security would be best established by means of collective regional efforts.”

He noted that maintaining security in the vital oil-rich region of Persian Gulf is the main priority for the Islamic Republic, noting that Iran remains fully prepared to counter any threats.

On Sunday, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Iran has total control over the Persian Gulf and monitors the activities of foreign forces.

“Foreign military forces in the entire region, in the Persian Gulf in particular, are under the full surveillance of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Vahidi said.