US Navy Issues warning to Iran - "will not tolerate disruption to oil-trade route"

[Bouncer]

US will level the earth and everything in it. War Nation of the gods!

[Mr I]

You starting to believe me yet?, wet going in there, then also pakistan, if we get into it with iran them russia could be forced to pick sides, very dangerous

[Bouncer]

BBC News - US warns Iran over threat to block oil route

The US Navy has said it will not tolerate disruption to a vital oil-trade route, following an Iranian threat to close it.

Iran warned it would shut the Strait of Hormuz if the West imposed more sanctions over its nuclear programme.

The US and its allies believe Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon - a charge Tehran denies.

Reacting to Iran's warning, a US Fifth Fleet spokeswoman said it was "always ready to counter malevolent actions".

The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf - and the oil-producing states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - to the Indian Ocean. About 40% of the world's tanker-borne oil passes through it.

The US maintains a naval presence in the Gulf, largely to ensure the transport of oil remains open.

"The free flow of goods and services through the Strait of Hormuz is vital to regional and global prosperity," spokeswoman Rebecca Rebarich told the BBC, adding that the Navy would be ready to act if required.

"The US Navy is a flexible, multi-capable force committed to regional security and stability, always ready to counter malevolent actions to ensure freedom of navigation."