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Many claims came out of Iran this week, including threats to cut off oil sales to the European Union as well as boasts about Iran's supposed advances in nuclear technology.

These threats and comments come as Iran is facing scrutiny by the international community regarding its nuclear program, and tensions over oil trade is mounting. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has only heightened such tensions.

The comments made by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials and institutions have been viewed by the U.S. as bluster. Many American officials see the claims and threats as empty attempts by the Iranian leadership to assert authority and strength amidst increasingly tight Western social and economic sanctions- meaning that the West's policies are being viewed as effective.

Our relations with Iran will certainly continue to be uncertain until we determine an effective way to achieve our diplomatic goals while still retaining access to Iran's oil. Iran's nuclear capabilities are a frightening thought, but how big of a threat they actually are and how much Iran wants us to think they are remains to be seen.

{via The Washington Post}