Iran threatens to block oil exports from the Persian Gulf
Iran has reacted to American sanctions by warning that the Iranian government will be forced to cut off oil exports from the Persian Gulf if its own exports are cut off.
According to a statement on July 21st, the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has supported Iranian president Hassan Rouhani’s proposal to block oil exports from the Persian Gulf. His website states that Rouhani’s statements were “important remarks, which reflect the policy and perspective” of Iran, according to Radio Svoboda.
Previously, Iranian officials threatened to block navigation from the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf if the US inhibits Iranian oil trade. If the threat is carried out, it would become impossible to transport oil from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
In May, US President Donald Trump made statements regarding the annulment of the Iran nuclear deal and promised to carry out severe sanctions against Tehran. Trump has accused the regime in Iran of violating the conditions of the agreement and continuing to develop nuclear weapons.