Iran Naval Forces Attempt To Flex Muscles, Stage More War Games Near Strait Of Hormuz


Iran stepped up its threats regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday when the countries Revolutionary Guards began holding war games near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic Gulf oil tanker route that runs past the country.

Plans for the war games have been developing for weeks and come after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised the closure of the Strait of Hormuz should the U.S. or Israel attack Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

News of the war games also arrive at a time when Western forces have increased their presences in the Gulf, including the addition of American aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

While Iran has promised to disrupt shipping to the strait where one-fifth of the world’s crude oil passes through the U.S. and its allies have promised to swiftly end the blockage should it occur and take action as necessary.

In a speech that broadcast throughout Iran on Friday Khamenei continued his hard line approach by promising to aid hard line national groups that challenge Israel while noting that military strikes would damage U.S. interests in the Middle East “10 times” more than they would hurt Iran. According to the Ayatollah:

“Iran will not withdraw. Then what happens?” asked Khamenei. “In conclusion, the West’s hegemony and threats will be discredited” in the Middle East. “The hegemony of Iran will be promoted. In fact, this will be in our service.”

Some experts believe that Khamenei’s threats include giving more power to proxy forces including Lebanon’s Islamic militant group Hezbollah which would in turn intensify attacks against Israel. The small nation has backed U.S. and European Union forces in asking for tougher sanctions against Iran and the countries oil exports which constitute 80% of Iran’s gross national product.

In the meantime U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta continued the U.S. stance that sanctions taken against Iran is still the best approach while adding that “all options on the table and would be prepared to respond if we have to.”

Do you think Iran would dare start a war against the U.S. , European Union, Israel and other allies who can cut off 80% of the countries revenue with swift and far reaching sanctions?

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