US says Iran holding global economy ‘hostage’ in Strait of Hormuz
The United States accused Iran on Monday of holding the global economy “hostage” by blocking the Strait of Hormuz and using the vital waterway as leverage over its nuclear program.
Speaking at a UN Security Council debate on maritime security, US envoy Dorothy Shea said the strait was “not Iran’s hostage, not Iran’s bargaining chip, not Iran’s toll road.”
She accused Tehran of laying sea mines, firing on civilian ships, threatening to charge tolls and launching missiles at Gulf capitals.
Shea also criticized China and Russia for vetoing a Bahrain-backed Security Council resolution aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the strait.
