There are fears that Iranian navy attempts to board merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz may trigger a further deterioration between the sanctions hit oil exporter and other countries.

Iran has been threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz and choke off the Persian Gulf tanker trade if more sanctions are imposed on the country.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari
The warning comes as the Iranian navy conducts military exercises that may lead to the boarding and inspection of merchant vessels.

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