Iran Threatens to Block Hormuz, Exit Non-proliferation Pact

Iran’s top general has threatened to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic if the Islamic Republic faces more “hostility” in the form of US economic sanctions. The warning comes days after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – which earlier this month was designated a “foreign terrorist organization” by Washington – reportedly conducted a successful surveillance mission targeting two US warships in the Persian Gulf. US officials have repeatedly vowed to uphold freedom of navigation through the vital strait, through which one-third of the global oil supply passes. “If the hostility of enemies increases, we will be able to [close the waterway],” army chief Mohammad Bagheri was quoted as saying by Iranian media. “Also, if our oil does not go through the strait, other countries’ oil will certainly not cross,” he added. The statements echoed those of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who last week said: “We believe Iran will continue to sell its oil… [and] use the Strait of Hormuz. But if the United States takes the crazy measure of trying to prevent us from doing that, then it should be prepared for the consequences.” Zarif also suggested that Tehran could quit the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, a global accord aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear technologies. Tensions between the US and Iran have been on the rise since US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord and reimposed sanctions on the Iranian regime.