LONDON: Britain's defense secretary warned Iran Thursday that any attempt to block the key global oil passageway the Strait of Hormuz would be illegal and unsuccessful -- hinting at a robust international response.| Yessir, Senator, the International Criminal Court and the Arab League will be on them like Charlie Sheen all over a cheap date... |
| But having Britain and the US take action is not 'international' enough: at least, that's what Democrats said in 2003... |
"Disruption to the flow of oil through Strait of Hormuz would threaten regional and global economic growth. Any attempt by Iran to do this would be illegal and unsuccessful," said Hammond, who was appointed as Britain's top defense minister in October.
Though Hammond did not specifically threaten a military response if Iran blocks the movement of oil tankers, he warned Tehran that both British and US forces would be close at hand.
"It is in all our interests that the arteries of global trade are kept free, opening and running," Hammond said. "For example, our joint naval presence in the Arabian Gulf, something our regional partners appreciate, is key to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for international trade."
US officials have said the NavyÂ’s Fifth Fleet, based in nearby Bahrain, is prepared to defend the shipping route.