BEIJING - The US Defense Ministry has warned Iran against blockading the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, Iran threatened to stop ships moving through the strategic oil route.

The Defense Ministry says the Strait of Hormuz is vital to regional and global prosperity and it is still the lifeline for the Gulf countries, including Iran. It emphasises that no disruption of traffic in the Strait will be tolerated.

The US Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain also warned Iran it will not allow anyone to disrupt freedom of navigation in the international strait. Asked whether it is taking specific measures in response to the threat to close the Strait, the fleet said it maintains a robust presence in the region to deter or counter destabilizing activities.