Iran leader backs suggestion to block Gulf oil exports if own sales stopped [View all]

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters



JULY 21, 2018 / 8:06 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO

Reuters Staff

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran’s supreme leader on Saturday backed President Hassan Rouhani’s suggestion that Iran may block Gulf oil exports if its own exports are stopped, according to his official website.

“(Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) said remarks by the president ... that ‘if Iran’s oil is not exported, no regional country’s oil will be exported,’ were important remarks that reflect the policy and the approach of (Iran’s) system,” Khamenei’s website said.

Rouhani’s apparent threat earlier this month to disrupt oil shipments from neighboring countries came in reaction to looming U.S. sanctions and efforts by Washington to force all countries to stop buying Iranian oil.

Iranian officials have in the past threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, in retaliation for any hostile U.S. action.


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-oil-khamenei/iran-leader-backs-suggestion-to-block-gulf-oil-exports-if-own-sales-stopped-idUSKBN1KB0EI?il=0