Iran has confirmed having received a message by the United States regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international oil route in the Persian Gulf.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tehran was studying the letter and “would respond to it if necessary.”

He did not give any details about its contents.

On January 13, “The New York Times” reported that Washington had warned Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz was a “red line” and would provoke a response.

Iranian officials have threatened to close the strait in the event of a military strike or severe tightening of sanctions over its nuclear program.

compiled from agency reports