Security of Hormuz tops Iran’s list of foreign policy priorities: FM spokesman
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman says security of the strategic Strait of Hormuz tops the list of the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy priorities.
“We consider the security of the Strait of Hormuz as one of our official foreign policy priorities. The security of this strait is of significance to all the countries in the region and we want this security to be protected in the best way,” Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted by IRNA.
“We have repeatedly announced that we will try our best to maintain this security and we will use all our capabilities to stabilize security [of the Persian Gulf],” he added.
The Iranian official stated that some measures taken by a number of extra-regional countries directly endanger security of the Persian Gulf.
Mehmanparast noted that establishment of security must be pursued in its entirety and include security of energy and the security of balance in the energy market.
He accused the West of threatening the security of energy supply and emphasized on Iran’s commitment to maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Iran's Majlis has been preparing a motion according to which the Islamic Republic will close the Strait of Hormuz in response to US-engineered sanctions on Iran's oil exports.
On July 7, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said Iran does not plan to close the Strait of Hormuz unless its interests are seriously threatened.
On June 14, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps Navy Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi said Iran has the ability to close the strait and has proved its capability during the eight years of imposed war with Iraq.
Statistically, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, with a daily flow of about 15 million barrels of oil.
Source: presstv.com
