The latest bout of belligerent US-Iran rhetoric has once again degenerated into Iranian threats to close the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. All so very January 2012 (MEES, 16 January 2012). Iran’s key regional rivals have since been taking steps to reduce the impact of this worst case scenario, and those worse hit would be those with the warmest relationship with Tehran.
Prospects of Iran taking action to close the Strait of Hormuz are minimal as this would undoubtedly bring down the wrath of the US military. It is also unlikely that Iran would be able to do so for any great length of time. Moreover, the act of closing the Strait would close off the bulk of Iran’s ports to both imports and exports. (CONTINUED - 1863 WORDS)
