Iranian Parliament: European sanctions increase regional security tensions

TEHRAN: A member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission has warned that if European countries impose international sanctions on Iran through the United Nations, Iran may withdraw from its security commitments. According to Reuters, parliament member Abbas Mokhtari responded to the threat of sanctions by stating that Tehran has many options, one of which includes closing the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials emphasize that if there is no appropriate engagement regarding their nuclear program or if force is used against them, they will not assist in preventing drug trafficking to Europe through the Strait, in addition to disrupting transport activities. Experts note that closing the Strait, through which the U.S. purchases oil from Gulf countries, would severely impact not only Washington but also Europe, China, and other regional nations. The media reports that the Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical maritime passage through which one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and other goods are transported to other countries.