The Bahrain-based US Fifth Fleet says it will not “tolerate” any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran announced its forces are capable of closing the route if necessary.
“[The fleet] maintains a robust presence in the region to deter or counter destabilizing activities,” a spokesperson for the fleet said on Wednesday.
“The free flow of goods and services through the Strait of Hormuz is vital to regional and global prosperity… any disruption will not be tolerated.”
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that leads in and out of the Persian Gulf between Iran and Oman.
Iran has repeatedly warned that in the event of a military attack on the country, it will not hesitate in taking all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty one of which would be to close the strategic oil passage.
Earlier on Wednesday, Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said, “Iran has total control over the strategic water way,” adding that, “Closing the Strait of Hormuz is very easy for Iranian naval forces.”
On Tuesday Iran’s Vice-President Mohammad Reza Rahimi also warned that not a drop of oil would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions are imposed against Iran’s oil exports.
Iran’s Navy is currently conducting a massive 10-day naval drill, codenamed “Velayat 90”, in an area stretching from the east of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Aden.
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