Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari has warned that Tehran could close the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf to the world oil tanker traffic.
Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said,
"Closing the Strait of Hormuz for Iran's armed forces is really easy ... or, as Iranians say, it will be easier than drinking a glass of water, but right now, we don't need to shut it as we have the Sea of Oman under control, and we can control the transit."
Pentagon was quick to respond and its spokesperson, George Little, has said that United State will not tolerate any disruption with the passage of oil vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi had also made similar statements and said that will close the Persian Gulf if additional sanctions are imposed on the Iran.
The Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, spokesperson of the Fifth Fleet of the United States Navy has warned that any interference "will not be tolerated." The United States Navy (USN) is "always ready to counter malevolent actions to ensure freedom of navigation."
Iranian navy employs fast attack missile craft and fighter jets armed with short and long range anti-ship missiles and unguided rockets. Iranian navy also operate three Russian Kilo class diesel-electric attack submarines which can carry upto 18 torpedoes or anti-ship missiles of Russian origin.
Iranian navy has also received eleven 120-ton Ghadir class mini-submarines which are designed to operate in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. The Ghadir class submarines can carry torpedoes to attack the enemy ships. These submarine can also be used to lay sea mines.
Earlier this year, Iranian Navy has received much more capable Fateh class diesel electric submarine which can carry upto 12 torpedoes or 24 naval mines.
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