Iran Vows to Shut Down Hormuz Strait Unless US Eases Port Sanctions
Iran threatens to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz unless the US lifts its economic siege on Iranian ports, escalating tensions between the two nations.
Tehran has issued a stern warning, vowing to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed unless the United States lifts the 'US siege' on Iranian ports. The Iranian government has long viewed the strategic waterway, through which a fifth of the world's oil supply flows, as a vital asset and has threatened to shut it down if faced with aggression.
In the latest escalation of tensions between Iran and the US, Iranian officials have now stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington eases its economic sanctions and restrictions on Iranian trade and maritime activities. This heightened rhetoric comes as the two countries have been engaged in an ongoing standoff over Iran's nuclear program and the US's campaign of 'maximum pressure' through punishing economic sanctions.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: Al Jazeera
