LONDON: Britain's defense secretary is warning 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.
Philip Hammond told the Atlantic Council in Washington on Thursday that the presence of British and American naval ships in the Persian Gulf would keep the route open for trade.
However, Hammond - holding his first talks at the Pentagon with U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta - did not specifically threaten Iran with a military response.
About one-sixth of the world's oil passes on tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has threatened to close the route in possible retaliation to new U.S. and European sanctions.