A senior Iranian military commander says the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf lies within Iran's line of defense, and that the Islamic Republic will deliver a crushing response to any act of aggression.
Deputy Commander of the Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hossein Salami said on Sunday that Iran would take any possible measure to implement its defense strategies if necessary.
He warned that Iran will make use of all available means to hit back if the vital interests of the country are ever threatened.
Brigadier General Salami stated that Iran's response to any possible act of aggression would know no time or geographical limitation.
Iran has warned that it can respond to the proposed Western oil sanctions and threats against the Islamic Republic by choking the oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi said on Tuesday, December 27, 2011, that the imposition of oil sanctions against the Islamic Republic will prompt Tehran to prevent oil cargoes from passing through the strategic route.
“If they impose sanctions on Iran's oil, not even a drop of oil will be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Iran's Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari also announced on December 30 that the country's naval forces can readily block the strategic Strait of Hormuz if need be.
“Our (Iran's) intention is to bring stability and security to the region and we would like to show everyone that we can provide the security of the region without needing extra-regional powers,” he said.
Rear Admiral Sayyari said the presence of foreign navies in the region causes regional insecurity and emphasized that Iran does not need the presence of other extra-regional powers.
PressTV
