Source: U.S. sent letter to Iran over Strait of Hormuz threat
By Elise Labott, CNN Senior State Department Producer
updated 9:36 AM EST, Tue January 17, 2012
Washington sent a rare letter to the Iranian government, delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice.
(CNN) -- The U.S. has used multiple means of reaching out to Iran in response to Iran's threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for one-fifth of the world's oil.
Among those messages, Washington sent a rare letter to the Iranian government, delivered by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to Ambassador Mohammad Khazaee, Iran's permanent representative at the U.N., according to a U.S. official who would only speak on the condition of anonymity. The official would provide no further details
Iranian media reported that Iran is studying the letter and "will respond if necessary," quoting Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast.
Tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz
In addition, as reported previously, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta publicaly warned Tehran against such a blockage move last Thursday, threatening to "respond" if Iran attempts to shut down traffic. The United States also sent diplomatic messages through Switzerland -- its protecting power in the country -- and Iraqi President Jalal Talibani.
The messages came as tensions in the region continued to escalate. On Friday, the Navy and Coast Guard released video of two incidents on January 6, when Iranian boats came extremely close to U.S. vessels.
Part of complete coverage on
updated 7:50 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
It's an outside-the-box solution, says Clyde Prestowitz, but the German government can save Greece by reissuing its beloved deutsche mark.
updated 5:33 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Images of slaughter in the Syrian town of Houla provoked outrage around the world, but sometimes outrage isn't enough to spur action, says Tim Lister.
updated 3:56 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Alleged poison attacks against students in Afghanistan show the fragility of the country's transition, says Gayle Lemmon.
updated 1:06 AM EDT, Fri June 1, 2012
CNN's Kristie Lu Stout examines "douchebag" behavior on Twitter and finds it's actually worse to be a bore than a douche.
updated 5:27 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Airport dining doesn't have to be terminal, as a new wave of eateries elevates cuisine above the level of greasy burgers and wilting sushi.
updated 7:10 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Andrew Keen says our self esteem is determined by our use of social media -- so let's embrace tech which lets data degenerate over time.
updated 7:27 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
Republican Graham Smith argues why the UK monarchy should be consigned to the history books.
CNN's Richard Quest rails against the censorious ratings warnings placed on inflight movies.
updated 12:06 PM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Queen Elizabeth was criticized for being aloof after Princess Diana's death in 1997. But one royal insider says that wasn't the case.
updated 5:45 AM EDT, Wed May 30, 2012
Businessman Christian Stadil believes firms must care about more than money and that corporate social responsibility helps attract talented workers.
updated 11:08 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
It's hard being a female busineswoman in a country where women need permission to work or travel. But some try.
updated 3:31 AM EDT, Mon May 28, 2012
How law enforcement agencies are readying themselves for this month's Euro 2012 soccer tournament.
updated 8:53 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
Adoptions from Africa have surged three-fold in eight years -- but campaigners fear that children from the continent are becoming commodities.
updated 7:17 AM EDT, Thu May 31, 2012
He's been running all his life, running for freedom, running for peace. Now Reza Baluchi is heading for Mt. Everest by running across the Middle East.
updated 7:13 AM EDT, Tue May 29, 2012
An old meatpacking plant in Chicago is being transformed into an eco farm, which its founders say will produce food sustainably with zero waste.
Most popular stories right now
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|