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Rouhani: Persian Gulf is not New York Gulf

29 April 2020 13:08 (UTC +04:00)

The Persian Gulf is "not the New York Gulf or the Washington Gulf," Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday, APA reports citing İRNA.

He stated his country and people have been "protecting" the region, and especially the waterway, for centuries and added "the Americans should know" this and not want "blood" from Iranians. Rouhani noted the Persian Gulf remains a strategically important region because of its access to oceans and because it is a major global energy hub.

Earlier, Iran said it would attack US ships in the Persian Gulf if it feels there is a threat after US President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy to "shoot down and destroy" any Iranian vessels that approach US ships in the Gulf.