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Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gestures as he deliver his speech at a rally, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

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Admiral: Forces ready to confront Iran

Updated: Sunday, 12 Feb 2012, 3:46 PM EST
Published : Sunday, 12 Feb 2012, 1:37 PM EST

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — The top U.S. Navy official in the Persian Gulf says he takes Iran's military capabilities seriously but insists his forces are prepared to confront any Iranian aggression in the region.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox told reporters at the headquarters of the 5th Fleet on Sunday that the Navy has "built a wide range of potential options to give the president" and is "ready today" to confront any hostile action by Tehran.

Fox is the commander of the Bahrain-based fleet. He says Iran's military is "capable of striking a blow" against American forces in the Gulf, but that his ships have a right to defend themselves if attacked.

His comments follow Iranian threats to close the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Gulf if Iran's oil exports are blocked.