MOSCOW, July 4. /TASS/. The Strait of Hormuz has become a weapon for Iran that is no less powerful than a nuclear one, but Tehran also has a "thermonuclear" arm in reserve, namely its ability to disrupt shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said while answering journalists’ questions following his visit to Iran

"Iran has found itself another weapon instead of an actual nuclear arm - one that is no less powerful, namely the Strait of Hormuz," Medvedev said. He added that "by blocking traffic, Iran has, of course, demonstrated its strength in that respect, and discussions and agreements are now focused on how this strait will operate going forward."

"I believe Iran has more than just this ‘nuclear weapon’ in reserve. It also has a ‘thermonuclear weapon’ - the Bab el-Mandeb Strait - which could come into play in the event of military conflicts, creating a situation in which all oil shipments and other maritime traffic would effectively come to a halt. I hope it never comes to that, but every country seeking conflict in the region should keep this in mind," the Russian Security Council deputy chairman stressed.