PSI practice in Persian Gulf

Washington Times:

The United States and five other countries will begin an exercise in the Persian Gulf today simulating the interdiction of a ship carrying nuclear materials to a state of "proliferation concern" -- most likely Iran.
U.S. officials said that Muslim countries will take part for the first time in a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) exercise, part of Washington's global effort to disrupt traffic in weapons of mass destruction and related materials.
"From news reports, we know that the exercise has gotten the attention of the Iranian government," said Robert G. Joseph, undersecretary of state for arms control and international security. "This is an exercise that will test our capability to intercept illicit traffic."
The West suspects Iran of trying to build a nuclear weapon, but Tehran insists that it seeks nuclear energy only for civilian purposes.
Vessels, aircraft and special teams for the live phase of the exercise will be provided by the United States, Britain, France, Italy, Australia and the host, Bahrain. Preparations have involved 25 countries, including South Korea, which has not formally joined the PSI, Mr. Joseph told reporters.
"The United States appreciates the leadership of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to ensure that the Gulf states will actively prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials," the State Department said.
The PSI began in 2003 with 11 countries and has grown to 80, Mr. Joseph said.
...

South Korea can certainly use the practice. The Gulf states too, need to be wary of what Iran might do with its nukes. A non proliferation meeting between the US and Russia and some other participants is also scheduled for Morocco. We are all going to need the practice since the diplomatic track is not looking productive at this point.