Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz

Tensions are rising in the Middle-East following Iran’s threat to close the Strait of Hormuz if the country’s crude oil exports are stopped under new sanctions. The US and British have warned that they will take military action if the Strait is closed.

Iran’s navy held a 10-day drill from December 24th in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, as the United States and European nations moved to introduce embargos on Iran’s oil exports as punishment for its nuclear program.

On December 27th, Iran’s Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi warned that if the West imposes embargos, Iran will allow not a single drop of oil to flow from the strait.

On December 28th, an Iranian navy commander said closing the strait would be as easy as drinking a glass of water. He was apparently referring to the deployment of mines, missiles and torpedoes to enforce the blockade.

The narrow passage at the entrance of the Persian Gulf is a major sea lane for tankers carrying oil from the Middle East.

On the first 2 days of January, Iran test-fired newly developed missiles in the strait. It also warned US aircraft carriers to stay out of the Persian Gulf.

On Friday last week, Iran announced that its Islamic Revolutionary Guards will conduct a naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf next month.

The US Navy has warned that any interference with freedom of navigation will not be tolerated and that it will take military action if Iran moves to block the strait.

The United States says it will keep 2 aircraft carriers in waters near the Persian Gulf to prepare for any contingency.

British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond also said last week that the British navy is an integral part of the allied naval task force in the Gulf and has a mission to make sure the shipping lanes remain open. The British Navy says it will send high-tech destroyers to the area.
NHK.

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Laaska News.