British cargo ships now 'legitimate targets' says Iran as it warns of oil price hikes

IRAN'S military leaders have said British cargo ships in the Gulf are now "legitimate targets" as it aims to choke off all supply from the Gulf.

- BY GILES SHELDRICK Chief Reporter

The Mayuree Naree, one of three cargo ships damaged in the Strait of Hormuz

The regime has also threatened to push the cost of a barrel of oil to $200, in a major threat to the West.

The warning came after three cargo ships were hit by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.

Traffic in the maritime corridor, a passage for one-fifth of the world's oil, has all but ceased after Tehran claimed control of it and threatened to attack any vessel attempting to pass through.

The Islamic regime's Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters said it will not allow any oil through the strait.

In an attempt to goad the US, Israel and allies, its spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari said: "We won't allow even one litre of oil to reach the US, Zionists and their partners. Any vessel or tanker bound to them will be a legitimate target.

"Get ready for the oil barrel to be at $200 because the oil price depends on the regional security which you have destabilised."

The current price is around $90.

The first of the three ships hit was the Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, damaged north of Oman, according to surveillance by the UK Maritime Trade Operations.

Twenty sailors were rescued but three remain missing.