Iran threatens to hit any country used to attack its soil

Iran will target any country used as a launchpad for attacks against its soil, the deputy Revolutionary Guards commander said, expanding Tehran ’s range of threats in an increasingly volatile stand-off with world powers over its nuclear ambitions. (more…)

UAE can still export its oil, if Iran closes Hormuz

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be able to use ports on the Gulf of Oman for oil exports if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, transit point for about a fifth of the global oil supply, Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, said in an interview with Bahrain TV last night. (more…)

Iran ‘definitely’ closing Hormuz over EU oil embargo, report

Tensions in the Gulf could reach a breaking point as a senior Iranian official said Iran would “definitely” close the Strait of Hormuz if an EU oil embargo disrupted the export of crude oil.

Mohammad Kossari, deputy head of parliament’s foreign affairs and national security committee, issued the warning (more…)

Obama called for direct talks with Iran in a secret letter

U.S. President Barack Obama has called for direct talks with Iran in a secret letter to the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader that also warned Tehran against closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a conservative Iranian lawmaker was quoted as saying Wednesday. (more…)

Israel: Netanyahu deputy disappointed with Obama on Iran

A senior Israeli official voiced disappointment in the Obama administration on Sunday, saying “election-year considerations” lay behind its caution over tough Iran sanctions sought by U.S. legislators.

While Washington has been talking tougher about Iran’s nuclear work and threat to block oil export routes out of the Gulf if hit with harsher sanctions, (more…)

Iran warns Gulf Arabs on oil

Iran warned Gulf Arab oil producers against boosting production to offset any potential drop in Tehran’s crude exports in the event of an embargo affecting its oil sales, the latest salvo in the dispute between the West and the Islamic Republic over its nuclear program. (more…)

Turkey may end help to India on Iran Oil Payments, report

Turkiye Halk Bankasi AS (HALKB) told Indian oil (IOCL) refiners it may no longer be able to be an intermediary for their purchases of Iranian crude, four people with knowledge of the matter said. (more…)

Ahmadinejad, Chavez Joke About Love & Nukes

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sarcastically addressed America’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear program referring to themselves as “devils” whose love for one another would fuel their “a-bomb.” (more…)

West readies oil plan in case of Iran crisis, Reuters report

Western powers this week readied a contingency plan to tap a record volume from emergency stockpiles to replace nearly all the Gulf oil that would be lost if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, industry sources and diplomats told Reuters.

They said senior executives of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which advises 28 oil consuming countries, discussed on Thursday an existing plan to release up to 14 million barrels per day (bpd) of government-owned oil stored in the United States, Europe, Japan and other importers. (more…)

UK warns Iran over oil passageway threat

Britain’s defence secretary has warned Iran that any attempt to block the key global oil passageway the Strait of Hormuz would be illegal and unsuccessful – hinting at a robust international response. (more…)