LONDON – The U.S. Navy stands ready to ensure free navigation and the flowof commerce, the U.S. military’s Central Command said on Thursday, asIran’s Revolutionary Guards warned they would block oil shipments throughthe Strait of Hormuz if necessary.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and some senior military commanders havethreatened in recent days to disrupt oil shipments from the Gulf countriesif Washington tries to cut Tehran’s exports.
Praising Rouhani’s “firm stance” against the United States, the head of theRevolutionary Guards said on Thursday their forces were ready to block thestrait which links the Gulf to the open sea.
In May, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of a multinational dealunder which sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for curbs to itsnuclear program. Washington has since told countries they must stop buyingIranian oil from Nov. 4 or face financial measures.
If Iran cannot sell its oil under U.S. pressure, then no other regionalcountry will be allowed to either, said Mohammad Ali Jafari, who commandsthe Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran’s most powerful military force.
“We are hopeful that this plan expressed by our president will beimplemented if needed … We will make the enemy understand that either allcan use the Strait of Hormuz or no one,” Jafari was quoted as saying byTasnim news agency.
The Strait of Hormuz is the most important oil transit channel in the worldwith about one-fifth of global oil consumption passing through each day.
“The U.S. and its partners provide, and promote security and stability inthe region,” Central Command spokesman Navy Captain Bill Urban said in anemail to Reuters.
Asked what would be the U.S. Naval Forces’ reaction if Iran blocks thestrait, he said: “Together, we stand ready to ensure the freedom ofnavigation and the free flow of commerce wherever international law allows.”
The Guards’ naval arm lacks a strong conventional fleet. However, it hasmany speed boats and portable anti-ship missile launchers, and can laymines.
A senior U.S. military leader said in 2012 the Guards have the ability toblock the strait “for a period of time” but the United States would takeaction to reopen it in such an event.