Iran To Stop Western Warships From Entering Strait of Hormuz

Iran has warned US and its allies that it may close Strait of Hormuz if US continue to use the passage for maritime exercise involving 30 nations.

"We have to counter any harmful and ill-intended passage through Strait of Hormuz. We warn the US and its allies against any threatening passage through Hormuz, for if it ever happens, we will have no other choice but act according to the 1982 Convention [of the United Nations on Law of the Sea]," Brigadier General Hossein Salami, deputy commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps was quoted as saying by Sputnik Friday.

The large-scale US-led maritime exercise, involving 30 nations from six continents took place at such major strategic choke points as the Suez Canal, the Strait of Bab Al-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.

"If the Iranian government considers a vessel under a foreign flag a potential threat to the region the 1982 Convention gives Tehran the right to close the Strait of Hormuz for any vessels and ships of that country,” Sabbah Zanganeh, former adviser at the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.

Iran has the right to protect its territory and other countries in the regions from threats posed by US and its allies, he added.

"Traditionally, the US has tried to create tensions or a conflict in strategic regions, especially when the energy issue is on the agenda," he pointed out. "The strategy is simple. First, Washington looks for a pretext for its military presence in the region. Then, it sends arms to its regional allies, making them dependent on these supplies. Finally, Washington officially offers assistance in settling the conflict."

Recently, the number of such provocations by the US in the region has grown, Zanganez underscored.

According to him, the reason behind is that the US is disappointed in relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council which, in turn, promotes an anti-Iranian stance. After the final nuclear deal with Tehran was signed, Washington has tried to bring more countries on its side.