Iranian President Hassan Rouhani addresses the Innovation and Industry Forum during an official visit in Bern, Switzerland, July 3, 2018. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
Reuters: Iran's Rouhani hints at threat to neighbors' exports if oil sales halted
BERN (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani appeared on Tuesday to threaten to disrupt oil shipments from neighboring countries if Washington presses ahead with its goal of forcing all countries to stop buying Iranian oil.
The comments, published on Iran’s presidential website on Tuesday and partially repeated at a later news conference in Switzerland, could be open to interpretation. However, when asked whether he intended to make a threat, Rouhani declined to provide a clarification.
Iranian officials in the past have threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, in retaliation for any hostile U.S. action against Iran.
“The Americans have claimed they want to completely stop Iran’s oil exports. They don’t understand the meaning of this statement, because it has no meaning for Iranian oil not to be exported, while the region’s oil is exported,” the website, president.ir, quoted him as saying.
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WNU Editor: Short of provoking a military confrontation with its neighboring Arab countries, Iran's options are limited.
More News On Iran Warning Neighboring Oil Exporters That There Will Be Consequences If Countries Stop Buying Iranian Oil
Iran warns US of blocking Iran’s oil exports; 'stop it or face the consequences' -- Mehr News (Iran)
Iranian president says US pressure efforts could affect regional exports -- The Hill
Iran vows to attack oil trade if US sanctions bite -- National Interest
Rouhani Warns US Against Undermining Iran’s Oil Trade, Promises 'Consequences' -- Sputnik
