Iran to show naval might in key oil-shipping area

Iran will start on Saturday naval exercises in a region crucial for global oil supplies, state TV said on Thursday, raising concern about a possible closure of the world's No. 1 shipping route for crude in the case of military conflict between Tehran and the West.    

Iran aims to flaunt its military might during the 10-day drill, dubbed "Velayat-e 90", at a time of heightened Iranian-Western tension over Tehran's nuclear program that potentially could boil over into wider hostilities in the Middle East.    

"The Velayat-e 90 naval manoeuvres will start on Saturday and will be held in a 2,000-square km span of sea," Iranian navy commander Habibollah Sayyari told state television. "Velayat" is Persian for "supremacy".    

"The drill will display Iran's defensive and deterrent power as well as relaying a message of peace and friendship in the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman and the free waters of the Indian Ocean," said Sayyari.    

"Iran's military and Revolutionary Guards can close the Strait of Hormuz. But such a decision should be made by top establishment leaders," he said.    

Reuters