Iran has ‘the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz easily and on an unlimited basis,’ state radio quoted Revolutionary Guards commander-in-chief Mohammad Ali Jafari as telling a news conference.

The United States and Israel, Iran's arch foes, have not ruled out military action if the Islamic Republic continues work that they suspect is aimed at making nuclear weapons.

Iran rejects the charge and has repeatedly said it would retaliate if attacked. The United States has pledged to keep oil shipping routes open in case of conflict.

‘In view of the proximity of the Strait of Hormuz ... to our shores, this distance is within the range of an assortment of weapons and its closure for us is very feasible and we face no limitations from the point of view of time,’ Jafari said.

Oil movement through the Strait of Hormuz, the sea channel along Iran's coastline at the entrance to the Gulf, is estimated to account for roughly 40 percent of all seaborne oil traded, most of it going to Asia, the United States and western Europe.