Iran: No plans to close strategic oil route in Gulf, but military holds full control

TEHRAN, Iran – A top Iranian naval commander says Tehran’s forces have full control over the Gulf’s strategic Strait of Hormuz, but have no plans to try to close the route for one-fifth of the world’s oil.

The comments by Adm. Ali Reza Tangsiri, who is acting commander of the Revolutionary Guard naval forces, appear designed to reinforce Iran’s claims of military dominance over the Strait as U.S. naval forces boost their presence in the Gulf.

Tangsiri also seeks to reassure world oil markets. Oil prices have been swayed by worries that Iran could choke off tanker traffic in retaliation for tighter sanctions over its nuclear program.

His comments were carried by the official IRNA news agency Monday.