Iran opens naval base at Straight of Hormuz

Iran has inaugurated a new naval base on the eastern part of the strategic waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, state radio said. Tuesday's report quoted Iran's naval chief, Adm. Habibollah Sayyari. He said the base on the Strait of Hormuz creates a new line of defense. Sayyari said if necessary, the base could allow Iran to block entry of any "enemy" into the Persian Gulf. The base is in the port town of Jask, about 1,050 miles (1,700 kilometers) south of Teheran.