Iran Opens New Naval Base on Strait of Hurmuz

Iran has opened a new naval base strategically placed on the Strait of Hurmuz, the narrow opening to the Persian Gulf. The base arguably gives the Iranians the ability to prevent entry into the critical waterway to any party it deems to be "unwanted." The move comes after threats made by Iran to close the Gulf if its nuclear facilities are attacked by the United States or Israel. About 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through the Strait. The base is located at Jask, about 1,000 miles south of Tehran.