Iran opens ‘new line of defence’

Published October 29, 2008

TEHRAN, Oct 28: Iran’s state radio says the country has inaugurated a new naval base on the eastern part of the strategic waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.

Tuesday’s report quotes Iran’s naval chief, Adm. Habibollah Sayyari. He says the base on the Strait of Hormuz creates a new line of defence.

Sayyari says if necessary the base could allow Iran to block entry of any “enemy” into the Persian Gulf.

The base is in the port town of Jask, about 1,700km south of Tehran.

Iran has warned that it would close the narrow strait if the US attacks it over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme. About 40 per cent of the world’s oil passes through the strait.—AP

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram ‘roadmap’
Updated 25 Dec, 2024

Kurram ‘roadmap’

The state must provide ironclad guarantees that the local population will be protected from all forms of terrorism.
Snooping state
25 Dec, 2024

Snooping state

THE state’s attempts to pry into citizens’ internet activities continue apace. The latest in this regard is a...
A welcome first step
25 Dec, 2024

A welcome first step

THE commencement of a dialogue between the PTI and the coalition parties occupying the treasury benches in ...
High troop losses
Updated 24 Dec, 2024

High troop losses

Continuing terror attacks show that our counterterrorism measures need a revamp. Localised IBOs appear to be a sound and available option.
Energy conundrum
24 Dec, 2024

Energy conundrum

THE onset of cold weather in the country has brought with it a familiar woe: a severe shortage of piped gas for...
Positive cricket change
24 Dec, 2024

Positive cricket change

HEADING into their Champions Trophy title defence, Pakistan are hitting the right notes. Mohammad Rizwan’s charges...