A leading Iranian military official has warned Iran will close the vital Strait of Hormuz if it deems it necessary to protect its interests.
Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, told the Lebanese broadcaster al-Meyadeen that his country has the capability to shut off the Middle East Gulf passage so crucial to tankers and other vessels.
The naval chief stressed such action is not currently being taken or planned.
But he added that this could be reconsidered if Iran feels its adversaries are disrupting its regional objectives.
This is not the first time the threat of closure has been made.
Iran has sabre-rattled over the strait in the past due to tensions with Israel and the US.
Tangsiri expressed concerns over an alleged Israeli presence in the United Arab Emirates, saying it posed a direct threat to the nation’s security, the i24 website reported.
The commander claimed “Israeli entities” in the UAE are not only carrying out economic activity but are also engaged in security and military operations.
Tangsiri also mentioned a recent alleged Israeli airstrike on Iran’s consulate in Syria that killed several army officers.
He said the country is committed to responding to incidents like this but added that retaliation would be measured.
“We do not get hit without striking back, but we are also not hasty in our retaliation,” Tangsiri told the TV station.
