Latest news with #AliYazdikhah
Economic Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
Iran may close Strait of Hormuz if US decides to join war on Israeli side but does President Donald Trump have constitutional power to make a decision?
Iran has issued a strong warning about its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz. The warning came amid growing tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement suggests Iran may act if the United States gets involved in the Member of Parliament Ali Yazdikhah said that Iran has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz. He made this statement on Thursday. Yazdikhah explained this would happen only if the United States enters the conflict alongside Israel. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments. Abu Ali al-Askari, a spokesperson of a group allied with Iran, issued a warning. He said that if the United States supports Israel militarily, US assets in the region will face attacks. He mentioned US bases could come under fire and shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb might close. He also said that oil ports in the Red Sea would shut down. He warned of potential damage to US aircraft. Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Rivals Event: How to earn rewards? See start date, time, rewards and when is next scheduled event White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about the US stance. She said President Donald Trump will make a decision in the next two weeks. The decision will depend on possible future negotiations with Iran. Trump shared that there is a chance for talks, but no clear plan has been made yet. Oil prices have increased due to rising tensions. Israel and Iran have continued to exchange missile strikes. On Thursday, Brent crude futures rose by $1.60 to reach $78.29 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude also rose to $78.34. Oil prices had already peaked at $78.50 on June 13 when Israel launched Read: Iran Israel Conflict: Does Israel have a nuclear arsenal? All you may want to know The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world's oil supply. If the strait is closed, oil supply may drop. That could raise the cost of goods and fuel. Trade, shipping, and travel might also slow US Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, while the president is commander in chief. Presidents can respond to threats but need congressional approval for extended military action. A federal law limits presidential war powers, requiring Congress to be notified within 48 hours and consulted before troops are deployed, unless war is formally declared. Why is the Strait of Hormuz important? It carries 20 percent of global oil, so any disruption can affect prices and supply across the world. When will the US decide on involvement? President Trump is expected to decide within two weeks, based on whether talks with Iran may happen.
Miami Herald
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Iran Threatens To Close Strait of Hormuz: What Would Happen?
Iran has warned that it could shut the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, in retaliation for U.S. involvement in its conflict with Israel. "If the United States officially and operationally enters the war in support of the Zionists (Israel), it is the legitimate right of Iran in view of pressuring the U.S. and Western countries to disrupt their oil trade's ease of transit," Ali Yazdikhah, a senior Iranian lawmaker, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency on Thursday. "Iran has numerous options to respond to its enemies," Behnam Saeedi, a member of the parliament's National Security Committee presidium was quoted as saying. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is one of the potential options." The officials spoke amid heightened tensions as President Donald Trump is reported to be inching closer to ordering military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment by email. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes two miles wide in each direction. The strait handles around 26 percent of global oil trade, making it one of the most strategically important maritime passages in the world. The International Energy Agency notes that any disruption to flows through the strait would have significant consequences for world oil markets. Iran has long asserted that it can shut down the Strait of Hormuz. While the strait can't be "closed" in the traditional sense - like shutting a road - Iran could attempt to make the waterway too dangerous for commercial passage, effectively disrupting global shipping. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran targeted oil tankers and oil loading facilities with mines and missiles, including Chinese-made Silkworm cruise missiles, and used speedboats to harass tankers. These actions did not fully block the strait but caused sharp increases in shipping insurance premiums and delayed maritime traffic. According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), Iran could try to obstruct the strait in phases. "Iran might begin with a less violent option and progress over time to more violent ones, or implement a combination of highly violent options from the outset," it said. Possible measures cited in the report included: Declaring the strait closed to shipping without without stating explicitly what the consequences might be for ships that attempt to transit those watersDeclaring more explicitly that ships transiting the strait or other parts of the Persian Gulf are subject to being intercepted and detained, or attackedFiring warning shots at ships transiting the strait or other parts of the GulfDeploying sea mines in the strait and other parts of the GulfUsing submarines, surface ships, shore-based cruise missiles, and aircraft to attack foreign naval ships operating in waters outside the Strait Iran moving to shut the Strait of Hormuz would likely invite a strong international military response. "An outright closure of the Strait of Hormuz... at present, this appears to be a low probability event. Were this to occur, it is not likely to be prolonged," said the CRS. "It would likely trigger a military response from the United States and others, which could reach beyond simply re-establishing strait transit," it added. "Iran would also alienate countries that currently oppose broader oil sanctions. Iran could become more likely to actually pursue this if few or no countries were willing to import its oil." President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and [Iran] having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, said in a public address: "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage. The U.S. entering in this matter is 100 percent to its own detriment. The damage it will suffer will be far greater than any harm that Iran may encounter." The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain have scheduled nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to Reuters. Related Articles US Support For Donald Trump Attacking Iran Revealed in PollsIranian Jewish Leader Denounces Israel's 'Savage' Attacks on IranIran Issues New Warning to US- 'All Necessary Options on The Table'Former Spy Chief: 'Good Case' for US To Strike Iranian Nuclear Site 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Iran may close Strait of Hormuz if US decides to join war on Israeli side but does President Donald Trump have constitutional power to make a decision?
Iran has issued a strong warning about its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz . The warning came amid growing tensions between Iran and Israel. The statement suggests Iran may act if the United States gets involved in the conflict. Iran Signals Possibility of Strait Closure Iranian Member of Parliament Ali Yazdikhah said that Iran has the right to close the Strait of Hormuz. He made this statement on Thursday. Yazdikhah explained this would happen only if the United States enters the conflict alongside Israel. The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil shipments. Iran-Allied Group Issues Warning Abu Ali al-Askari, a spokesperson of a group allied with Iran, issued a warning. He said that if the United States supports Israel militarily, US assets in the region will face attacks. He mentioned US bases could come under fire and shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb might close. He also said that oil ports in the Red Sea would shut down. He warned of potential damage to US aircraft. Also Read: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Rivals Event: How to earn rewards? See start date, time, rewards and when is next scheduled event US Presidential Decision White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt spoke about the US stance. She said President Donald Trump will make a decision in the next two weeks. The decision will depend on possible future negotiations with Iran. Trump shared that there is a chance for talks, but no clear plan has been made yet. Live Events Oil Market Reacts to Conflict Oil prices have increased due to rising tensions. Israel and Iran have continued to exchange missile strikes. On Thursday, Brent crude futures rose by $1.60 to reach $78.29 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude also rose to $78.34. Oil prices had already peaked at $78.50 on June 13 when Israel launched attacks. Also Read: Iran Israel Conflict: Does Israel have a nuclear arsenal? All you may want to know If Strait of Hormuz Closes The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of the world's oil supply. If the strait is closed, oil supply may drop. That could raise the cost of goods and fuel. Trade, shipping, and travel might also slow down. What is US War Powers Act? The US Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, while the president is commander in chief. Presidents can respond to threats but need congressional approval for extended military action. A federal law limits presidential war powers, requiring Congress to be notified within 48 hours and consulted before troops are deployed, unless war is formally declared. FAQs Why is the Strait of Hormuz important? It carries 20 percent of global oil, so any disruption can affect prices and supply across the world. When will the US decide on involvement? President Trump is expected to decide within two weeks, based on whether talks with Iran may happen.
Newsweek
10 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Iran Threatens To Close Strait of Hormuz: What Would Happen?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran has warned that it could shut the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints, in retaliation for U.S. involvement in its conflict with Israel. "If the United States officially and operationally enters the war in support of the Zionists (Israel), it is the legitimate right of Iran in view of pressuring the U.S. and Western countries to disrupt their oil trade's ease of transit," Ali Yazdikhah, a senior Iranian lawmaker, was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr news agency on Thursday. "Iran has numerous options to respond to its enemies," Behnam Saeedi, a member of the parliament's National Security Committee presidium was quoted as saying. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is one of the potential options." The officials spoke amid heightened tensions as President Donald Trump is reported to be inching closer to ordering military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment by email. Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, the strait is about 21 miles wide, with two shipping lanes two miles wide in each direction. The strait handles around 26 percent of global oil trade, making it one of the most strategically important maritime passages in the world. The International Energy Agency notes that any disruption to flows through the strait would have significant consequences for world oil markets. Can Iran Close the Strait? Iran has long asserted that it can shut down the Strait of Hormuz. While the strait can't be "closed" in the traditional sense - like shutting a road - Iran could attempt to make the waterway too dangerous for commercial passage, effectively disrupting global shipping. During the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, Iran targeted oil tankers and oil loading facilities with mines and missiles, including Chinese-made Silkworm cruise missiles, and used speedboats to harass tankers. These actions did not fully block the strait but caused sharp increases in shipping insurance premiums and delayed maritime traffic. According to a 2012 report by the U.S. Congressional Research Service (CRS), Iran could try to obstruct the strait in phases. "Iran might begin with a less violent option and progress over time to more violent ones, or implement a combination of highly violent options from the outset," it said. Possible measures cited in the report included: Declaring the strait closed to shipping without without stating explicitly what the consequences might be for ships that attempt to transit those waters Declaring more explicitly that ships transiting the strait or other parts of the Persian Gulf are subject to being intercepted and detained, or attacked Firing warning shots at ships transiting the strait or other parts of the Gulf Deploying sea mines in the strait and other parts of the Gulf Using submarines, surface ships, shore-based cruise missiles, and aircraft to attack foreign naval ships operating in waters outside the Strait What Would Happen? Iran moving to shut the Strait of Hormuz would likely invite a strong international military response. "An outright closure of the Strait of Hormuz... at present, this appears to be a low probability event. Were this to occur, it is not likely to be prolonged," said the CRS. "It would likely trigger a military response from the United States and others, which could reach beyond simply re-establishing strait transit," it added. "Iran would also alienate countries that currently oppose broader oil sanctions. Iran could become more likely to actually pursue this if few or no countries were willing to import its oil." What People Are Saying President Donald Trump told reporters on Wednesday: "I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and [Iran] having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight." Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, said in a public address: "The Americans should know that any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage. The U.S. entering in this matter is 100 percent to its own detriment. The damage it will suffer will be far greater than any harm that Iran may encounter." What Happens Next? The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain have scheduled nuclear talks in Geneva on Friday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, according to Reuters.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Iran's options against foreign aggression include closing Strait of Hormuz, lawmaker says
Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, a senior lawmaker said on Thursday, though a second member of parliament said this would only happen if Tehran's vital interests were endangered. Iran has in the past threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz to traffic in retaliation for Western pressure, and shipping sources said on Wednesday that commercial ships were avoiding Iran's waters around the strait. "Iran has numerous options to respond to its enemies and uses such options based on what the situation is," the semi-official Mehr news agency quoted Behnam Saeedi, a member of the parliament's National Security Committee presidium as saying. "Closing the Strait of Hormuz is one of the potential options for Iran," he said. Mehr later quoted another lawmaker, Ali Yazdikhah, as saying Iran would continue to allow free shipping in the Strait and in the Gulf so long as its vital national interests were not at risk. "If the United States officially and operationally enters the war in support of the Zionists (Israel), it is the legitimate right of Iran in view of pressuring the U.S. and Western countries to disrupt their oil trade's ease of transit," Yazdikhah said. President Donald Trump is keeping the world guessing about whether the United States will join Israel's bombardment of Iranian nuclear sites. Tehran has so far refrained from closing the Strait because all regional states and many other countries benefit from it, Yazdikhah added. "It is better than no country supports Israel to confront Iran. Iran's enemies know well that we have tens of ways to make the Strait of Hormuz unsafe and this option is feasible for us," the parliamentarian said. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and is the primary export route for Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Kuwait. About 20% of the world's daily oil consumption — around 18 million barrels — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is only about 33 km (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point. (Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Alison Williams and Gareth Jones)
