Iran Dismisses End to US Waivers, Guards Threaten to Shut Hormuz

Guards warn if Iran isn't allowed to use strait, no one will

Iran responded to the announced end to US sanctions waivers for Iranian oil, saying they never considered there to be any worth or validity in US waivers in the first place, and that they remain ready to sell oil.

The Foreign Ministry said Iran remains in consultation with its international partners on continuing the oil trade. Officials said exports will not be “zero” under any circumstances. Of the six remaining Iranian customers that are losing US waivers, China is the only one to respond yet, confirming they will continue to buy.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also issued a warning against the US or anyone else trying to prevent Iranian ships from accessing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital path for the oil trade. The Guards warned they are prepared to “shut it down” if Iran isn’t allowed to use it.

The Trump Administration has demanded a path to “export to zero” to try to cripple Iran’s economy. The reality, however, is China is a large customer, and isn’t going anywhere, waivers or not.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.