US calls Iran's threat to block key oil route 'bluster'

Washington, Dec 28 (ANI): The United States has described Iran's threat of closing off the world's most important oil shipping lane as nothing but 'bluster'.

As tensions between Iran and the West were increasing, Tehran claimed that it was preparing to close off the crucial Strait of Hormuz as part of a military exercise.

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi reportedly said that if the West imposes sanctions on Iran's oil exports, then even one drop of oil cannot flow from the channel.

However, State Department spokesman Mark Toner called the threat mere "bluster," Fox News reports.

"It was another attempt by them (Iran) to distract attention from the real issue, which is their continued noncompliance with international nuclear obligations," he added.

Around a third of all shipped oil passes through the four mile-wide Strait between Oman and Iran and US warships patrol the area to ensure safe passage.

Most of the crude exported from Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq - together with nearly all the liquefied natural gas from lead exporter Qatar is transported through the channel. (ANI)