Iran warns of 'apocalyptic war' and Gulf blockade if U.S. strikes again

Iran warned Saturday that U.S. warships would be barred from the Persian Gulf and threatened an "apocalyptic war" with regional consequences if attacked, following reports Washington was considering resuming air strikes. Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson, said Iran would achieve "absolute victory" in such a war, which he said would decide the fate of Persian Gulf monarchies. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi separately said U.S. naval forces could no longer approach the Gulf, dismissing President Donald Trump's claims that Iran's military had been destroyed. The warnings came after U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said Friday that a strike could occur within days. The U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports over oil exports, while Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz; Brent crude rose to $117 a barrel on Friday.