  ONI: Iran to shut down the oil routeDecember 5, 2009 - 17:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence has confirmed that Iran can shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which 40 percent of the world's oil supplies pass.The report confirms a September G2B assessment that Iran's naval forces will shut down the oil route should either the United States or Israel decide to bomb the country's nuclear facilities. "Given the importance of the Strait, disrupting traffic flow or even threatening to do so may be an effective tool for Iran," ONI warned. The G2B report also pointed out that while Iran's ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz may be short-lived, the impact would be highly detrimental to the world economy.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Related sections Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
