Dubai, Apr 21 (AP) A senior Iranian commander on Tuesday threatens to destroy the region's oil industry if war resumes with the US.
Gen Majid Mousavi, the aerospace chief for the Revolutionary Guard, said in comments on Iranian media that it would be a mistake to carry out “aggression” against Iran. He also said the region's oil facilities would be harmed if neighbouring countries allow the US to carry out attacks.
“If southern neighbors allow the enemy to use their facilities to attack Iran, they should say goodbye to oil production in the Middle East region,” he said.
The US has bases and troops in several countries across the region.
Iranian foreign minister says US blockade of its ports is violation of ceasefire as talks stall
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As news came that the US delegation was pausing its travel to Islamabad, Iran's top diplomat posted on X saying that American forces boarding an Iranian oil tanker earlier Tuesday was an act of war.
“Striking a commercial vessel and taking its crew hostage is an even greater violation,” Abbas Araghchi said in a post. “Iran knows how to neutraliSe restrictions, how to defend its interests, and how to resist bullying.”
Iran's UN envoy says his government has received some sign' the US is ready to stop the blockade
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Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Tuesday that as soon as Washington ends the blockade, “I think the next round of the negotiations will take place in Islamabad.”
He called the US naval blockade a violation of the ceasefire, and reiterated that lifting it is a condition for new negotiations to take place. The United States has not publicly indicated that it will lift the blockade.
The US started the war against Iran, Iravani said, and if they want to return to the negotiating table “and find a political solution, they will find us ready.”
“If they want to go to the war, in this case also Iran is ready for that,” he told a small group of reporters at UN headquarters in New York.
When asked how hopeful he is he about the possibility of new negotiations, the ambassador replied: “We should give the chance — we hope.” (AP) RD
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