World

Iran Says it Has a Plan to Block Strait of Hormuz if Threatened

Iran Revolutionary Guard

AP

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran will block the strategic Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the passageway through which a fifth of the world’s oil flows, if its interests are seriously threatened, a senior Iranian military commander said Saturday.

“We do have a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz,” state media quoted Gen. Hasan Firouzabadi as saying Saturday. “A Shiite nation (Iran) acts reasonably and would not approve interruption of a waterway … unless our interests are seriously threatened,” Press TV quoted him as saying.

The comments by Firouzabadi, the chairman of Iran’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, come days after the European Union enforced a total oil embargo against Iran for its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment program.

A halt in crude oil imports from Iran is intended to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic to stop enriching uranium to the 20 percent level, an issue at the center of an international dispute.

Western powers fear material produced at that level – well above the 3.5 percent enrichment needed for energy-producing reactors – can be turned into weapons-grade material in a matter of months. Iran insists its reactors are only for energy and research.

Iranian lawmakers have prepared a bill that would order the country’s military to stop tankers headed to countries that have joined the oil ban.

But Iran’s parliament speaker, Ali Larijani, was quoted by Iranian media on Saturday as saying that the proposed bill has not yet been studied by parliament.

Iran‘s powerful Revolutionary Guard has warned in the past that Tehran would order the closure of the Strait of Hormuz if the country’s oil exports are blocked.

Comments (83)

1 2
  • Meyvn
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:46pm

    Plans are one thing. Getting it done is another.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:13pm

      Exactly. Everyone is so concerned about what Iran says. We need to realistically look at what they can actually do. They dont have the navy to close the waterway. They dont have the land force to be effective. The dont have the logistical operation to do much of anything. Finally they dont have a missile program that can do much damage at all. The tech they have no is easily handled by Israel. Remember what a danger Iraq’s military was going to be? Well they lasted all of like 2 days. We are more equipped and deadly today. They outside of 4 good subs are the same or weaker.

      The Iran and Syrian wars are being pushed by the globalist to bankrupt the United States. Once we are bankrupt the world government is taking over.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • thetreyman
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:44pm

      after seeing the pic above, i am not too worried about them as they seem to only have guns that shoot that little flag out of them that says bang.

      Report Post » thetreyman  
    • Gary S
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 8:29pm

      Can you say “The former Iran is now a sea of glass.” ?

      Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:51pm

      @GaryS: That would be great, then take the oil fields and make gas $1.25 again.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • lukerw
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 3:27am

      Does Iran remember… when it was called Persia… and fought the Caliphate of the Ottoman Empire…. and they lost and were forced to become Muslim?

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • hayesstephen
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 10:47am

      Actually it would be a very difficult thing to do, but it can be done. It will cost Iran a great deal in money and men. If they can’t completely close it down it will cost the world a great deal of money and men to run the blockade. Either way it would not be good for Iran, or the world.
      Even the mushroom headed Euro trash will realize that their sitting in the dark, the pubs are closed, they can’t watch soccer on the tele, and they have no way to knock the U.S.A. without thet and the internet. The they will look to US to lead the way as usual. After we take the brunt of the men killed and the Euro trash are sitting in light, they’ll immediately start ripping the GOOD OLE U.S.A. again Close the Strate.
      Let them close the thing and let us in the name of Yahweh God to stay out of it and let the Euro thrash take care of it. WE OUR COUNTRY DOES NOT NEED THE OIL COMING FRO IRAN, WE HAVE ENOUGH HERE, IF ONLY THE GREENIE NUTS WOULD LEAVE US ALONE TO DRILL FOR IT.

      Report Post »  
    • dmerwin
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:43pm

      The fastest way to resolve the entire Iran issue is for them to block the straits and for the Navy to take the gloves off without restraint, no political solution. Air Force gets a piece by bombing all pipeline pump stations, air ports, communication hubs, road and rail bridges. Do this at night and you will limit civilian casualties.

      Report Post » dmerwin  
  • BeingThere
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:39pm

    Nice red targets!

    Report Post » BeingThere  
    • Unix
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:46pm

      Target rich environment!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • PoliticiansRCrooks
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 10:43pm

      You people sound so evil. Go put on a uniform and go to war than. Stop chickenhawking while typing on your lap top you fat slobs.

      Report Post » PoliticiansRCrooks  
  • fishfool
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:28pm

    Be prepared for the worst I believe. Let me explain, Israel is in a pickle if they believe Obama is going to win the next election they have no choice but to attack Iran prior to November 2012.
    They know Iran will not stop, they are going to go nuclear and soon. This is a death sentence to Israel, all rational thinking people will agree that this is a real game changer for the world. The Straits of Hormuz will be shut down 25% of Europe’s oil come through this Strait and around 5% of the worlds supply also relies on the waterway to deliver Saudi oil. This is not the worst to come, our only Allie in the region will either be in a nuclear war or defeated and overran by Muslim‘s leading to a genocide that will far exceed Hitler’s Evil.
    The whole Region will destabilize very rapidly. They are already well on there way in most country’s there anyway, you know this if your paying attention. Now to my Point, The Israeli government has to realize if they attack before the election Obama has no choice but to support them because he cannot afford to loose the Jewish vote. If they wait and Obama wins they are sunk ! After the election for at-least 4 more years they are on there own. When they are forced to attack “and they will be” they know he will turn his back on them or worse. Now What would you say about there choices and how soon will they have to act ?

    Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:53pm

      Fishy, you are spot on, my commendation is to you, as you at least are thinking! However more oil than you think flows thru the straights…it is not 5%, more like 15%. Look up the Baltic dry index BDI, then you will see where the world is heading – to hell in a handbasket. One cannot pay off debt with debt and move an inch, and that is happening the world over. Strap on your Chinese nose guards, the ride is going to get very bumpy.

      Report Post » Unix  
    • fishfool
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 7:48pm

      Everyone just assumes I was speaking of Iran’s ability to stand against America as a serious threat, That was not my point at all. Think about it that is a ridiculous notion on its face. But you know well the middle east is on fire and what is not already burning is a tender box. It will only take a small conflict with America and Israel involved to spread the fire to the hole region. With our piss pore economy and a president that shows a soft side for the Muslim population it will not take much to send America and the rest of the world into a tailspin we may not recover from.

      Report Post »  
  • Kalevipoeg
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:02pm

    Yay! another reason for speculators to drive up the price of oil. Mental note: fill everything up today. Seriously though, the Saudi’s would never let this happen. No American presence required. After all, the Saudi’s weapons are all manufactured by US anyway.

    Report Post » Kalevipoeg  
    • Dcalvert
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:44pm

      Re: The Saudis will never let this happen”

      Yeah…all three of them are going to be a pretty intimidating force.

      Wake up Kalevipoeg…this guy (fishfool) is right. We’re heading for a war that might be the ONLY thing that keeps this Chicago slimeball in office.

      Report Post »  
    • Unix
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Speculators? You MUST be kidding fool, this is not the fault of speculators, this is the fault of an illegal CARTEL called OPEC…you have no idea what you speak of! Speculators keep the price of a barrel of oil affordable, otherwise it would be Over $120/bbl…you know NOTHING!

      Report Post » Unix  
    • Kalevipoeg
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:15pm

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Saudi_Navy

      Yes, the three of them are going to get pretty pissed when they are losing money hand over fist. It’ll never come to that though, they will intervene before it does. I respect your opinion but lets let cards lay on the table before we go betting serious money.

      Report Post » Kalevipoeg  
    • DisposableWorker
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 11:31pm

      If you want the price of fuel to drop by at least 30%. Stop taxing it!

      Report Post »  
  • Unix
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:56pm

    If they closed the straight it would make gas prices spike – $15/gal if they wanted. Don’t think it could happen, wait and see, Liberals and Libertarians. We should make that country a parking lot for all the world to see, that is how much I appreciate the muddle east…Saudi too, F’ em! They ALL hate us anyways, lookit OPEC is a cartel derived to squeeze as many $ out of us as they can…

    Report Post » Unix  
  • Scarybones
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:17pm

    If they do I think that their navy would make a wonderful reef. Maybe they could eventually make up the lost revenue with diving tours.

    Report Post »  
  • JUSTANOTHEROPINION
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:55pm

    All it would take is one strategically place “A” bomb and we would end it. We did it in Japan we can do it in Iran. Quit p***y footing around with these ingrates.

    Report Post »  
    • KidCharlemagne
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:11pm

      JUSTANOTHEROPINION
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:55pm

      All it would take is one strategically place “A” bomb and we would end it.
      ==============================================

      End it for WHO though?:

      ————————————-
      “As such, any military conflict in the area will easily spike crude prices to record highs. In fact, even fears of a military conflict will be enough to spook investors. And considering the amount of oil supply disruption such an action would cause combined with lower inventories, prices could easily double or triple by the time you blink.

      Even though the Libyan oil crisis has garnered headlines, the Iranian geopolitical risk will not only be the hot topic in coming months, any resulting military conflict will make the Libyan oil crisis look like chickenfeed in comparison.”
      http://www.commodityonline.com/news/crude-oil-iran-geopolitical-risks-the-new-threat-to-supplies-43649-3-43650.html

      Report Post »  
  • AnAmerican111
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:26pm

    Ya thing Iran would realize what the rest of the world already knows!
    A bunch of row boats and cute little soldier dolls dressed in red have no chance of closing anything!………

    Seriously! Makes you realize how stupid muslims are

    Report Post »  
    • Zorba53
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:02pm

      These threats from a country that fought Iraq for EIGHT years to a stalemate. It took the U. S. military about 15 minutes to kick Iraq’s “well trained Republican Gaurd” ass. You want some, Iran? Come get it!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • jman-6
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:25pm

    Iran is using a private consortion group to sell oil to EU thru China. Its all bs lies from this administration. Clinton lied about Kosovo n all the attrocities n who is advising O’Scama?

    Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:24pm

    If Iran tries to do anything, Obama will pounce and US Navy will blow them away. The result? Obama wins re-election in a landslide….It’s no wonder that Obama is pushing them into this corner

    Report Post » soybomb315  
  • cloudsofwar
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:22pm

    is hillary ready to attack Iran? seems like she’s looking for another WAR. she’s talking bad to Russia and China about Syria. maybe she thinks all that tuff talk will help her in 2016 when she runs again for POTUS. Hillary we are tired of WAR and our men dying for nothing. when Obama go’s so will you.

    Report Post »  
  • docmd
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:20pm

    Talk is cheap…………..

    Report Post »  
  • tomacz
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:13pm

    they do this,the iranian navy will the mother of all bathtubs

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:35pm

    Iran, you couldn’t win a war against Saddam Hussein, remember? It was like swatting a fly for us.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:58pm

      Gonzo, I’m glad you said it. I often think people don’t realize how incredibly potent our military is these days.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:01pm

      I’ll bet the Revolutionary Guard would run like little girls just lke the Republican Guard did.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:03pm

      I just hope we don‘t waste 10 years and American lives trying to put Humpty together again when it’s over.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • NLN
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 9:01am

      We have nukes and they don’t. Na na nanana.

      Report Post »  
    • v15
      Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:11am

      I am quite certain that Iran via Hezbollah has suicide bombers already inside the United States. So I’m quite sure that action against Iran would result in a massive nationwide terrorist attack.

      Report Post » v15  
  • flatdaddio
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:25pm

    another Baghdad bob in the making…

    Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:58pm

      I miss the real Baghdad Bob. The one we have now (Carney) doesn’t come close but tries very hard.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
  • wordweaver
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:24pm

    The plan involves the U. S. Navy sinking the entire Iranian Navy and virtually block the shipping lanes with shipwrecks. Well, it would be fun to watch.

    Report Post » wordweaver  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:09pm

    Iran reminds me of the little kid that likes to taunt the dog on the other side of the fence, yet still runs away when the dog charges…

    They think they are tough as Romans, but unlike Julius Caesar, a confrontation would leave President Im-a-jhiad saying…”I came. I saw. I RAN.”

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • KidCharlemagne
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:59pm

    Great article from Pat Buchanan the other day about this:

    ——————————————————————–
    Iran Derangement Syndrome

    Irrational fears stymie diplomatic success–and shift focus from a more dangerous Pakistan
    By Patrick J. Buchanan • July 6, 2012

    ………………………
    It is also the unanimous judgment of the U.S. intelligence community, declared in 2007 and affirmed in 2011, that Iran has abandoned any program to build nuclear weapons.

    Is the Ayatollah lying? Is the entire U.S. intel community wrong?

    Iran’s plants, at Natanz, where uranium is enriched to 5 percent, and at Fordow, where it is enriched to 20 percent–both below weapons grade–are under constant U.N. monitoring. Iran has offered to surrender its 20 percent uranium and cease enriching to that level, if the West will provide isotopes for its nuclear medicine and lift some of the more onerous sanctions.

    No deal, says the United States. Iran must give up enrichment entirely and indefinitely.
    Pat Buchanan: “Iran Derangement Syndrome”

    Report Post »  
  • GO-FOR-LIBERTY
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:52pm

    Old story. Read/saw this story about a month ago. Slow news day? Hey I Won do we have a plan or just “hope” for the best?

    Report Post »  
  • Fat Pappy
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:51pm

    If Iran uses it’s navy to block this body of water … oh if only Reagan were alive and President ……. chances are that’s where there navy will remain ….. on the bottom! Obummer will on the other hand, tuck tail and run; Obama “the spineless”

    Report Post »  
    • KidCharlemagne
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 2:01pm

      Fat Pappy
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:51pm

      If Iran uses it’s navy to block this body of water … oh if only Reagan were alive and President …
      ===========================================

      Reagan would be selling them weapons like he did during Iran-Contra:

      ——————————
      The Iran-Contra Affair

      According to the Report of the Congressional Committees Investigating the Iran-Contra Affair issued in November 1987, the sale of U.S. arms to Iran through Israel began in the summer of 1985, after receiving the approval of President Reagan. The report shows that Israel’s involvement was stimulated by separate overtures in 1985 from Iranian arms merchant Manucher Ghorbanifar and National Security Council (NSC) consultant Michael Ledeen, the latter working for National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane. When Ledeen asked Prime Minister Shimon Peres for assistance, the Israeli leader agreed to sell weapons to Iran at America’s behest, providing the sale had high-level U.S. approval.
      http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/Iran_Contra_Affair.html

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:50pm

    Iran can say and do anyhting it wants to. Since returning fom the June 7th Shanghai Cooperation Organization. It has done just that. Announing that it will look for a private consortium (China/Russia) to sell its oil through, and Preident Obama granted exemption to China, and Singapore to import Iranian oil.
    The laugher of the day is Obama and Clinton declaring Afghanistan a major non-NATO ally. Do they realize that Afghanistan was also at the Shanghai Cooperative Organization meeting too?
    The ‘Friends of Syria’, P5+1, IAEA are all useless! Major ally with Afghanistan? We deserve one another, the Obama administration, and the Karzai government are both deceitful, lying, backstabbers!

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • justangry
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:37pm

    The gull!!! You mean they‘re actually going to fight back if they’re attacked?

    Report Post » justangry  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:36pm

    “Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard”??? I hope they are better than Saddams “Royal Guard” whose only battle injuries were from dropping their rifles on their big toe as they surrendered.

    Why haven’t the head nutcases in Iran woken up with an icepick in their brains yet?

    Report Post »  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:34pm

    leave innocent Iran alone and keep gas prices low instead of appeasing Saudi Arabia and Israeli goverments.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:42pm

      Believing Iran is like believing Obama. It’s not going to happen.

      Report Post »  
    • ledbythnose
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:53pm

      Since when is a Nation that threatens to wipe another off the face of the Earth INNOCENT? Do you even have a slight clue how many People are Hanged, Be Headed and stoned to death in Iran every single day? INNOCENT my arse! What in the World is wrong with you apologist Nut Jobs in this Country. Have you all completely lost all sense of reason? If Iran closes the Straight and fires a single shot at one of our Ships. They will be a glass parking lot within hours of that move. Our Naval Commanders aren’t just going to sit back and let this happen. Good God Yawll!!

      Report Post » ledbythnose  
    • Individualism
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:53pm

      your right Iran will not attack anyone

      Report Post » Individualism  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on July 7, 2012 at 1:28pm

    Comrades this is a shocking turn of events!
    But only if you’re an idiot!
    What else would you expect them to do, set up a cool aid stand perhaps?

    Report Post » historyguy48  
    • Unix
      Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:17pm

      LOL, good one! Progressive Americans are amoebas, they fall for anything, hook line and sinker! Look, they elected OMarx to power didn’t they? Communists, all of them…

      Report Post » Unix  
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