U.S. Navy says will protect commerce in face of Iran oil threat
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS JULY 5, 2018 / 9:52 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
U.S. Navy says will protect commerce in face of Iran oil threat
Bozorgmehr Sharafedin
3 MIN READ
LONDON (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy stands ready to ensure free navigation and the flow of commerce, the U.S. militarys Central Command said on Thursday, as Irans Revolutionary Guards warned they would block oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and some senior military commanders have threatened in recent days to disrupt oil shipments from the Gulf countries if Washington tries to cut Tehrans exports.
Praising Rouhanis firm stance against the United States, the head of the Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday their forces were ready to block the strait which links the Gulf to the open sea.
In May, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of a multinational deal under which sanctions on Iran were lifted in return for curbs to its nuclear program. Washington has since told countries they must stop buying Iranian oil from Nov. 4 or face financial measures.
If Iran cannot sell its oil under U.S. pressure, then no other regional country will be allowed to either, said Mohammad Ali Jafari, who commands the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Irans most powerful military force.
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-oil-usa-navy/u-s-navy-says-will-protect-commerce-in-face-of-iran-oil-threat-idUSKBN1JV1UJ