Iranian authorities have described the presence of US warships in the Persian Gulf as a policy better suited to the Cold War, Press TV reports.
During a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday Iranian ministers criticized the US for announcing it would continue military presence in the Persian Gulf.
Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi told Press TV that the US is in no way helping stability in the region or preventing war.
He went on to say that on the contrary since the US is one of the major competing powers it is equally possible that the US presence in the region will spark a conflict.
On December 30, 2011 the Iranian Navy identified and recorded footage and images of the USS John C. Stennis in the area where Iran was holding naval military exercises.
Iran warned the aircraft carrier not to return to its previous position in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday.
In reaction to Iranian commander's comments the US Department of Defense claimed that the American government does not seek a “confrontation” with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
This comes while the Pentagon says the "regularly scheduled movements" of aircraft carriers will continue in the region.
