Iran to Respond Timely to US Threats Against Its Energy Facilities: Official
© AP Photo / Vahid Salemi
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Tehran will respond in a timely and appropriate manner in the event of threats from the US to the country's energy facilities, Iranian Deputy Oil Minister and head of the National Iranian Gas Company Saeid Tavakkoli told Sputnik.
"Of course, the war that the United States invented for itself, ignoring international norms, has had an impact on the energy sector around the world. To counter the threats and damage that the enemy wants to inflict on the country, Iran will take timely, accurate, and appropriate retaliatory actions," Tavakkoli said on the sidelines of the Russian Energy Week.
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told the Al-Jadeed broadcaster on Friday that Iran is taking efforts to prevent a new conflict with the United States but stands ready for any scenario in case of military confrontation.
"Most of the efforts that Iran undertakes through diplomatic channels and in cooperation with mediators are aimed at preventing war. However, we are ready for various scenarios in case of a new military confrontation with the US," the diplomat said.
Tehran is set to change the existing balance of power in the region in the event of a new attack on Iran, Khatibzadeh said.
Commenting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the deputy minister accused Washington of using the strait as a tool in confrontation against Tehran. The situation around the strategically important sea route may be regulated after the existing threats are gone, he added.
Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Khatibzadeh emphasised that the Hezbollah movement makes decisions independently, including the ones on the potential resumption of hostilities against Israel. Tehran respects Lebanon's sovereignty and does not interfere in its internal affairs.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical routes for international oil and liquefied natural gas supplies to global markets. A threat to freedom of navigation in the strait amid the confrontation between Iran and the US creates additional risks for international trade and energy security.
