Irans navy commander warned that Iran would close off the Strait of Hormuz entrance to the Gulf if there was any disruption to its shipping or sea-bound trade Tehran radio said. Commodore Mohammed Hoseyn Malekzadegan told a news conference Iran was ready to maintain security in the Gulf. But he added If there is any disruption in the movement of our ships and our imports and exports this waterway would not be left open for any country. The radio monitored by the British Broadcasting Corporation quoted Malekzadegan as saying Irans navy now had the most advanced defensive equipment including long-range shore- to-sea missiles and a range of sea-to-sea missiles. He said it had also expanded operations to cover the whole region from the most northerly point in the Persian Gulf to the most southerly part of the Sea of Oman. Referring to U.S. fleet movements in and near the Gulf Malekzadegan said they had so far not been directed against Irans interests. Their movements have been on the basis of international regulations and in the open seas the radio quoted him as saying. However if any movement or action is carried out against the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran in whatever context we shall decisively confront that move.
IRAN'S NAVY CHIEF THREATENS GULF CLOSURE