WASHINGTON – Iran could disrupt activity in the Strait of Hormuz but could not sustain any disruption for long, the top U.S. military officer said Wednesday, reiterating that Washington would not allow Tehran to close the critical crude oil route.

“The analysis that I have certainly indicates that they (Iran) have capabilities which could certainly hazard the Straits of Hormuz,” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said. “I believe that the ability to sustain that is not there.”

Mullen also called for broad government dialogue between Washington and Tehran, indicating it could reduce risks in the Gulf. His comments come amid heightened tensions between the two states and growing concerns of a possible confrontation.

(Reporting by Kristin Roberts, Editing by Sandra Maler)