Military officials from the Pentagon warned Iran not to disrupt oil shipments in the Persian Gulf as Iran threatened to interfere with the passageway. Pentagon spokesman George Little said that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital economic lifeline needed for the stability in the region. It is 34 miles wide and 20 percent of the world’s oil shipments go through it. Pentagon

Lt. Rebecca Rebarich, spokeswoman of the U. S. Navy’s 5th fleet, warned Iran with regards to its plan to disrupt shipments in the strait. She said that the U. S. Navy would have a robust presence in the region and would counter any actions that hinder the freedom of navigation.

The warnings came as Iranian officials issued threats that it would use the passageway to retaliate if the West imposes sanctions towards Tehran’s oil exports. The sanctions were due to the suspicions that Iran is still developing its nuclear program.

Last Tuesday, Iran’s Vice President Mohamed Reza Rahimi threatened to close the passageway, which would cut off oil exports, if the West imposes sanctions on his country’s oil shipments. AS the tension in the region builds up, the Iranian navy is currently on a 10 day naval exercise. This includes dispatching warships and drones over the Strait of Hormuz.