According to the announcement, the US unmanned vessel, whose navigation communications had been cut off, was controlled and towed by the IRGC Naval Force on Tuesday in order to maintain the safety of routes taken by trade vessels and oil tankers.

The IRGC Naval Force stressed that the timely and vigilant measure was taken with the aim of maintaining the safety of the shipping routes and preventing any accident in the wake of several cases in that region in recent weeks.

The announcement added that the IRGC Naval Force released the American unmanned vessel after it became clear that the Americans had made a mistake and the IRGC became assured that no threats are posed to Iran’s national security, and the US Navy was warned against repeating such illegal behaviors.

The announcement noted that the presence of the “terrorist” US military forces in the Persian Gulf has always posed a threat to the security and stability of this sensitive and strategic region.

Tehran stresses the presence of the trans-regional forces has been a cause of tensions in the region, but says the country’s forces are closely monitoring the entire region. Iranian military officials added that peace and security in the region can be achieved through cooperation among the regional states and in absence of foreigners.

Back in July, Commander of the IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri declared Iran’s full preparedness to fight off any plot of enemies against Tehran at its birth, stressing that the country’s forces will teach a painful lesson to foes in case they launch any act of aggression against Iran.

“If the enemy takes any foolish measure to foment sedition or carry out an act of aggression against the Islamic establishment, we will respond in a way that would teach them and their allies a painful lesson and will nip that plot in the bud,” Rear Admiral Tangsiri said on Monday.

He added that the IRGC naval forces, which are deployed in the islands and along the operational routes of the elite force, maintain their combat readiness at the highest level in order to be able to carry out the most difficult missions at any time.

The senior Iranian commander noted the neighboring countries in the region enjoy the capability to ensure security in the important Persian Gulf region, emphasizing, “There is no need at all for the presence of foreign countries who want to be here with the justification of providing security.”

Iran has repeatedly warned that any mistake by the US and Israel will be met with Tehran’s crushing response.

Iranian officials say Washington and Tel Aviv are well aware of Tehran’s capabilities and capacities, and caution that Tehran does not compromise or joke with its national security.