Crisis on the Strait of Hormuz: Iran, US and Saudi Arabia calculate respectively

On Dec. 27 Iran Vice president Mohammad Reza Rahimi threatened that if Western imposes economic sanctions against Iran’s oil exports, which generates 80% of the country’s cash, they will block the transportation through the Strait of Hormuz.



It is reported that today Mark Toner, a U.S. state department spokesman, said at a briefing in Washington that Iran is attempting to “distract attention” from its nuclear program by threatening to block oil shipments through the strait.



The Bahrain-based U.S. 5th Fleet’s spokeswoman warned today that any disruption at the strait will not be tolerated.



On Dec. 27, after the end of a summit of Arab monarchies of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the attending Kings responded to the threats emanating from Iran, they call for greater "union" rather than mere "cooperation.



The Gulf states realized that the West and America in particular were no longer morally able to support regimes violating human rights. They felt that in order to survive, they must unite to fight against the threat from the Western for their security, oil sector and people.



As we know that Iranian productivity of oil ranks fourth in the world and its volume of exports ranks second in the world. Saudi Arabia both ranking is on the top of the world, so that the rich monarchies just want to keep their own benefits. They will keep them away from the conflict between Iran and US.



It is reported that Saudi Arabia and other Arab states have pledged to raise oil production in the event of a crisis. Such offer will ease crude oil prices on world markets.

Ps. original version published on the website of Taiwan News by Theresa Huang