Iran renews threats over closing Strait of Hormuz

 
The United States has nothing left to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program except for war, and if it chooses conflict, Iran may close a key energy chokepoint, its envoy to Baghdad told AFP on Thursday.        

Ambassador Hassan Danaie-Far insisted in an interview that Tehran retained the right to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a third of the worlds traded oil passes, in response to any aggression, military or otherwise.          

Iran frequently conducts missile tests and maneuvers to underscore its military force, and has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to oil tanker traffic should it be attacked.            

For its part, Washington has warned Tehran that any attempt to close the strait would be viewed as a "red line" -- grounds for US military action.                  

Iran regularly denounces the regional presence of foreign forces, including American, particularly those stationed in the Gulf. It says the security of the region must be ensured "by regional countries."