Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has supported President Hassan Rouhani’s stance on the consequences of a US ploy to drive Iran’s crude exports down to zero, saying either everyone is entitled to use the strategic Strait of Hormuz or no one.
If Iran cannot sell its oil due to US pressure, then no other regional country will be allowed to do so either, Mohammad Ali Jafari was quoted as saying by Tasnim News Agency on Thursday.
“We hope this plan expressed by our president will be implemented if needed,” he said. “We will make the enemy understand that either all can use the Strait of Hormuz or no one.”
His comments came after President Rouhani slammed as “nonsense” the US plan for sanctions against Iranian oil exports, saying it will not be possible for other regional producers to sell oil while blocking Iran’s exports.
The US administration has announced plans to get as many countries as possible to boycott Iranian oil and launch a campaign of “maximum economic and diplomatic pressure” on Tehran.
A senior US military official said in 2012 the Guards have the ability to block the strait “for a period of time” but the United States would take action to reopen it in such an event, Reuters reported.
Asked what would be the US naval reaction if Iran blocks the strait, US Central Command spokesman Navy Captain Bill Urban said, “Together, we stand ready to ensure the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce wherever international law allows.”
China’s Reaction
A senior Chinese diplomat reacted to Rouhani’s remarks on Friday, saying that Iran should make more effort to ensure stability in the Middle East and get along with its neighbors.
Chinese assistant foreign minister, Chen Xiaodong, said “China consistently believes that the relevant country should do more to benefit peace and stability in the region, and jointly protect peace and stability there”
“China and Arab countries had close communications about Middle East peace, including the Iran issue,” Chen told a news briefing, ahead of a major summit between China and Arab states in Beijing next week.
Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait are among China’s most important oil suppliers, while Qatar supplies liquefied natural gas to China, so any blockage of the strait would have serious consequences for its economy.
But Beijing has had to tread carefully with Arab nations like Saudi Arabia as China also has close ties with Iran.
Carrying one-third of the world’s seaborne oil every day, the Strait of Hormuz links Middle East crude producers to key markets in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and beyond.
