'Iran not to close Strait of Hormuz'

Iran's recent statements concerning the Strait of Hormuz and the crisis in relations with the U.S have moderated. Therefore, the strait will not be closed, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said in an interview with Cumhurriyet yesterday.

"Both parties softened their positions on this issue, after realising it will be impossible to achieve their goals by a war," the Minister said.

A number of Iranian leaders threatened to prevent all shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz connecting the Persian and Oman gulfs. These statements were supported by large-scale naval exercises including rocket firing that took place in the waters of the Strait earlier this month. If Tehran moves from words to actions then it will hit oil exporters, mainly Saudi Arabia as well as consumers, who are almost all Western countries.

The minister said that the sanctions imposed on Iran, are still the subject of long debates. He added that Iran is Turkey's neighbour and partner, so that country should act within bilateral relations. "Turkey and Iran can implement many interesting projects," Mr Yildiz said.


/Trend/