Iran holds keys to war despite US threats: Ex-EU commissioner

Former European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on Monday that Iran holds the keys to war and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on its will, despite ongoing threats from US President Donald Trump.

“Those who hold the keys are the Iranians, whether we like it or not,” Breton told French broadcaster BFM TV.

Stressing that Tehran is in a position of strength, he noted that Iranians organized themselves and were not alone in the war with China supplying components and expertise.

Breton said Iran "has entered an asymmetric war" with "the best army in the world," but warned that US reserves are dwindling.

"Since the start of hostilities, the equivalent of two years’ production of Patriot missile system has been used up. The Pentagon is starting to worry,” he added.

Highlighting that Tehran has been preparing for this for 40 years, Breton further stressed that Trump is "under pressure, particularly from voters.”

The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,400 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. It has also restricted the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.