Iranian Ambassador: Only War Can Stop Us Now

Iranian Ambassador Hassan Danaie-Far says that the only way the United States can put a halt to Iran’s nuclear program is by resorting to war, a move that would prompt the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil chokepoint.

“The only remaining card on the table is war. Is it to their benefit? Is it to the benefit of the world? Is it to the benefit of the region?” Danaie-Far told AFP, adding, “What else (US President Barack) Mr. Obama can do?”

The ambassador also reiterated threats made previously by Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which around a third of the world’s oil passes, in response to any military action by the United States.

“If there is some movement and action from our enemies, including US, against us, as a part of natural reaction, that may happen,” said Danaie-Far, warning that under such an eventuality, “Everybody would be a loser.”

Last month, Iran denied that it was planning to close the Strait amidst six day naval drills centered in the geopolitically crucial region.

During the drills, Tehran was forced to warn off foreign surveillance planes that were attempting to keep tabs on the exercises on no less than 30 occasions.

Back in July, Iran’s Major General Hassan Firouzabadi announced that Iran had finalized all the necessary preparations to close the Strait upon orders from Supreme Leader Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei.

False rumors that the Strait was closed have previously sent oil prices soaring. Experts have predicted that oil prices will surge to $300-$500 dollars a barrel if Iran closes the shipping channel in retribution for a US/Israeli attack on the country’s nuclear facilities.

Washington has repeatedly warned that any closure of the Strait would represent a “red line” that would be catalyst for military action.