Eritrean opposition websites reported that Eritrea has granted Iran total control of the Red Sea port of Assab, which overlooks the Bab Al-Mandeb straits.

The move came as part of the strategic cooperation between the two countries.

According to the report, Iranian submarines deployed troops, weapons, and long range missiles in the port of Assab, under the pretext of defending the local oil refinery.

The report said also that Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki is planning to take over the Bab Al-Mandeb straits in cooperation with Somali Islamist groups in the event of any escalation between the U.S. or Israel and Iran.

High-ranking members of the Eritrean regime warned that by cooperating with Iran in this manner, Afwerki "is playing with fire, and the consequences for Eritrea could be grave."

Source: Sudan Tribune, Sudan, November 30, 2008; http://ww.selfi-democracy.com, November 25, 2008; http://www.Eritreadaily.net, November 29, 2008