Iran begins large-scale military naval exercises in Strait of Hormuz

Iran began large-scale military exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday.

According to the commander of the Iranian Navy, Habibuli Sayari, the manoeuvres will last 10 days, encompassing an area from the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz to the Gulf of Aden, Radio Liberty reports. Sayari explained that the exercises will demonstrate the Islamic Republic’s defensive potential, while sending a “message of peace and friendship” to neighbouring states.

The Strait of Hormuz is of particular strategic significance. It connects the Persian and Omani Gulfs and serves as an extremely important transport artery, through which more than 40% of the world’s oil deliveries are shipped. If this route were to be closed, an oil deficit would necessarily appear on the world markets, which would trigger a significant price increase for the crude product. The USA’s Fifth Fleet is maintaining a presence in the region

A spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Defence, Ramin Mekhmanparast, dnied that Iran was preparing to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, saying that Iran was sure that the Middle East would be calm and stable, therefore a blockade of the Strait was not on the Iranian agenda.