MoD Reviewing Security Status

An article in today’s Gibraltar Chronicle reveals some of the serious concerns posed by Iran’s threat to block the Strait of Hormuz if the West imposes new sanctions over its disputed nuclear program.

According to the Chronicle’s Brian Reyes, ‘The Ministry of Defence is reviewing its security status in Gibraltar against the background of heightened tension in the Arabian Gulf.’ Reyes article goes on to state that ‘British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond warned Iran yesterday that any attempt to block a vital maritime oil route out of the Gulf would be “illegal and unsuccessful” and could lead to military action.’

Iran has recently threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz as a response to the dispute over its nuclear program. An article published by Iran’s Fars News Agency earlier today, ‘IRGC to Conduct Naval Wargames Soon‘, does little to reduce the level of concern. Tehran’s stance has provoked strong responses from a number of countries including Great Britain and the United States.

With approx 35 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil passing through the Straits, one of the principal concerns is that any risk of an effective block of the Strait of Hormuz would result in oil prices skyrocketing.

In a sign that Iran is prepared for the worst, Economy Minister Shamseddin Hosseini downplayed the effects of international and unilateral sanctions on the country’s progress, and stressed that the Iranian nation will “definitely overcome embargoes through unity and resistance.”

Tensions in the Gulf could be further heightened by the announced US-Israeli missile defence exercise. This major operation follows a 10-day Iranian naval exercise near the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Israel’s military sources have stated that the drill was planned long ago and is not tied to recent events.

Only recently the United States dismissed a warning by Iran not to return a US aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf. The aircraft carrier, USS John C Stennis, left the Gulf on December 27 and a Pentagon spokesman has stated that it would return.

 

MOD REVIEWING GIB BASE SECURITY STATUS

by Brian Reyes, The Gibraltar Chronicle

The Ministry of Defence is reviewing its security status in Gibraltar against the background of heightened tension in the Arabian Gulf.

British Defence Secretary Philip Hammond warned Iran yesterday that any attempt to block a vital maritime oil route out of the Gulf would be “illegal and unsuccessful” and could lead to military action.

Iran has threatened…………[click here to read the full article]

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