Iran steps up threats to close Strait of Hormuz after EU imposes oil embargo
Warning comes as EU nations agree in Brussels on sanctions over the country's controversial nuclear program; Netanyahu says embargo is 'step in the right direction.'
By The Associated Press and DPA Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu Iran Iran nuclearTwo Iranian lawmakers on Monday stepped up threats their country would close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's crude flows, in retaliation for oil sanctions on Tehran.
The warnings came as EU nations agreed in Brussels on an oil embargo against Iran as part of sanctions over the country's controversial nuclear program. The measure includes an immediate embargo on new contracts for Iranian crude and petroleum products while existing ones will be allowed to run until July.
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Iranian naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, Jan. 3, 2012. |
| Photo by: Reuters |
Iran has repeatedly warned it would choke off the strait if sanctions affect its oil sales, and two lawmakers ratcheted up the rhetoric on Monday.
Lawmaker Mohammad Ismail Kowsari, deputy head of Iran's influential committee on national security, said the strait "would definitely be closed if the sale of Iranian oil is violated in any way."
Kowsari claimed that in case of the strait's closure, the U.S. and its allies would not be able to reopen the route, and warned America not to attempt any "military adventurism."
Another senior lawmaker, Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh, said Iran has the right to shutter Hormuz in retaliation for oil sanctions and that the closure was increasingly probable, according to the semiofficial Mehr news agency.
"In case of threat, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is one of Iran's rights," Falahatpisheh said. "So far, Iran has not used this privilege."
Monday's EU measure also includes a freeze on the assets of Iran's central bank as part of sanctions meant to pressure Tehran to resume talks on its uranium enrichment, a process that can lead to making nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the decision, calling it "a step in the right direction."
According to Netanyahu, who spoke at an afternoon Likud faction meeting, it is still too early to predict the outcome of the sanctions, but he emphasized the importance of continual pressure on Iran in light of "its continual, uninterrupted development of nuclear weapons."
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Monday called for other countries to join the European Union in its boycott of Iranian oil. China imports a lion share of Tehran's crude. Other major importers include India, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Turkey.
"Oil embargo is a word easily said," Westerwelle told reporters after a meeting with his EU counterparts in Brussels. "But if the message to the Iranian leadership is to be clear, then it needs more than just a Western voice. It needs an international voice."
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was critical on Monday of planned new European Union sanctions against Iran, saying they would push Tehran away from the negotiating table and do little to increase regional security.
"These unilateral steps are not helpful," Lavrov said at a press conference in the Russian Black Sea port of Sochi, the Interfax news agency reported.
For its part, the United States has enacted, but not yet put into force, sanctions targeting Iran's central bank and, by extension, the country's ability to be paid for its oil.
Some 80 percent of Iran's oil revenue comes from exports and any measures or sanctions taken that affect its ability to export oil could hit hard at its economy. With about 4 million barrels per day, Iran is the second largest producer in OPEC.
Reflecting the uncertainties, on Monday the Iranian currency, the rial, fell to a new low, trading at nearly 21,000 to the dollar, a five percent drop since Saturday and 14 percent since Friday, currency dealers said. A year ago the rial was trading at 10,500 to the dollar.
Tensions over the strait and the potential impact on global oil supplies and also the price of crude have weighed heavily on consumers and traders. Both the U.S.¬ and Britain have warned Iran over any disruption to the world's oil supply through the strait.
Another Iranian lawmaker, Ali Adyani, sought to downplay the latest EU move, describing it as a "mere propaganda gesture," according to the semiofficial Fars news agency.
Former intelligence minister, Ali Falahaian, suggested Iran should stop all its crude exports "so that oil prices would go up and the Europeans' sanctions would collapse."
Threats to close the strait escalated during Iran's naval exercises in the Persian Gulf in January. Iran plans more naval war games in February.
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Which country has purchased 6 billion in Oil Futures?
they want to drag west into a war thats not in the interest of neither EU or US. stop this madness!
that all this is being done for or on account ofd Israel, and not because the EU fears a mnuclear Iran? Strange. I don't hear any of you anti-Zionists today!
Make strides in energy conservation and alternative energy sources so we can live in a world where the chief export of Iran is pistachio nuts.
China, Russia, India, Japan, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Turkey need to be on board too. Plus, Spain, Italy and Greece need to focus on changing 10% - 15% of their supply. The July deadline is fine, but it ought to be followed by all. Cooperation by Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf States is crucial in stepping up production. But, strangely, Iraq's huge oil wealth can end up in Tehran's pockets. Iraq is already an Iranian satellite, and its shia-led government caters to its powerful neighbor. China, Russia and India seem unlikely to join in, unless there's an incentive: cheaper oil from elsewhere. Can the sunni Arab world deliver?
Iran is like the boy who cried wolf.
This is all getting routine except for the sailors who have to live with the politicians games.
Some apprently youthfull talkbackers talk about how quickly America could dispatch Iran's navy and air force. This is trivial. The real question is, in case of war, how badly could Iran damage America interests in the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan. Of course Israelis would like for the American public to be fully engaged, so they will be hoping for a successful if not devestating blow by Iran on American interests. Such an event would rally the American public behind the war on Iran and all criticism and attention formerly focused on Israel would disappear. Another question, which I trust everybody knows the answer to is.....Would the American congress be willing to shed the blood of American servicemen in order to support Israel's settlement growth. This is what they would be committing to if they support an attack on Iran.
More empty threats from the mullahs in teheran. No mentaly stable person would like a nuke in the hands of these morons. So just make iran starve untill they give up. Or just turn the mother of all terrorism (iran) to dust. Both works fine by me!
If the Iranian regime attempts to close the Hormuz straits their navy will be sunk. What is needed is wider sanctions against Iran and more pressure on China and Russia to do so.
If the Iranian regime attempts to close the Hormuz straits their navy will be sunk. What is needed is wider sanctions against Iran and more pressure on China and Russia to do so.
thats called terrorism when others do it, hypocrites!
another war fighten for Israel interests. Not west. stop this madness now!
How is this related to Israel? You love the islamists so much, go and live with them.
who are they trying to fool? they would go down like a house of cards if they dared to fire one single bullet
Freddie Osterberg In the new war thats coming, Europe will look as stupid as the US did a few years back when they attacked Iraq for the reasons of wmd's. I can't even express the shame I feel for beeing a European citizen right now. That we didn't learn after 500000 children died as a direct consequence of the sanctions against Iraq, and now we will take part in the mass murder off Iranian children. All I can say about this to our crooked politicians is, the world will never forgive you, I will never forgive you. And when the time comes, I hope you will suffer, just as you have made millions of innocent suffer at the hands of your inhumane and criminal acts of terror. Do not get it twisted, this IS terror. Read it yourself. Terror is an act of violence or threat if violence against a population for political gain. And to sanction a country with no proof of WMD but only for the simple reason of money, is terror. Not in my name... Europe-USA-Israel, shame on you...
It's never been or never was about Iran's nuclear program/..It's always bout the dollar which is loosing its value fast..Follow the money...
She's nothing but hot air.
and impose oil embargo on Israel as well.
well, iran's navy could be sunk in less that an hour, and where will those vintage subs go, he, he, he!
EU accounts for 18% of Iran's oil exports. It is a significant chunk, but not enough to destroy Iran's economy. Part of this loss will be covered by selling oil on the "spot market" (no long term contracts), which fetches higher prices. In any case, oil prices will be going up due to limited supply, and this will bring Iran more revenue. For this action they will not be going to war, which is sure to happen if the Gulf is blocked.
Russia and China certainly do not want a mideast war and they have no doubt expressed their concerns to America. This means that, if America wants to attack Iran, they are more likle y to provoke Iran into making the first move. An attack or provocation by Iran would absolve America of any assurances they made to Russia and China about an attack on Iran. There is a similar scam going on at thecurrent Israel/Palestinian peace fakery. Everybody knows that the talks are fakery, but Israel can still score points if they provoke the Palestinians into abandoning the talks. This is why Israel has began arresting a series of influential Palestinian officials and law makers. The strategy of provoking an attack rather than making a first attack yourself is not new and it does carry some political benefits.
That is exactly what US/israel wishes to start a new war.
Iran have the right to do what has to be done but bearing in mind that they are pipsqueeks compared to the USA
i am annoyed at this embargo. Iran has not done anything to the UK, while Israel has deliberately supported our enemy (Argentina) in time of War and carried out a violent terrorist campaign against the legitimate governence of Palestine, killing soldiers and civillians alike - a fact which is commemorated to this day. Why we wvwn have diplomatic relations with israel is beyond me.
If the US actually goes ahead and joins in - i will be amazed. As it is I give this oil embargo about 1 month before escalating petrol prices and iol proces start hurting already weakened economies. I am not a big fan of Iran, but i cannot agree that there is sufficient grounds for this action. furthermore - I note that te embargo and sanctions are only taking place where there is a significant pro-israel lobby. clearly, China and Russia, both also nuclear powers with a concern to prevent proliferation - are unconvinced by the actual arguments. i wonder if the pros and cons were wighed up in western europe or the US at all - or was it just the old lobby fear at play. Personally, I dont give a damn if Iran is developing Nuclear weapons. it is of no threat to us in the UK. i certainly dont want our economy wrecked even more in defense of jolly old beligerent Israel
And this will bring the end of the mad Iranian regime
The rusians must be running wild. Iranian money will not be coming their way anymore. If they are lucky, they will get paid for what they delivered up to now......
Vote Ron Paul !!
Oh please ! All this warmongering . No one will attack no one ! these are games played by west and Iran to keep oil prices up .
Warmongering ??? the war against the ayatollah regime is coming closer every day . This is not a good news but the EU had shown too much patient till now. We must stop the Iranian nuclear program NOW.