From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
IRGC naval chief threatens to close key strait, says response to consulate attack coming
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The commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy says it could close the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route where much of the world’s oil passes, if deemed necessary.
“We can close the Hormuz Strait, but are not doing so. However, if the enemy comes to disrupt us, we will review our policy,” Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri tells pro-Hezbollah Lebanese outlet al-Meyadeen.
He says if US nuclear vessels enter Iranian waters, the Hormuz Strait “will become unusable for several years.”
Iran has threatened to close the strait in response to tensions with Israel and the US in the past.
The commander also says Israel’s presence in the United Arab Emirates is viewed as a threat by Tehran.
“We know that the Zionists were not brought to the UAE for economic purposes, but rather for security and military work. This is a threat to us and should not happen,” Tangsiri says.
He also says Iran is taking its time, but will eventually respond to an alleged Israeli airstrike on its consulate in Syria’s capital on April 1 that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders.
“We do not get hit without striking back, but we are also not hasty in our retaliation,” Tangsiri says.
The Times of Israel Community.