Tehran, May 21 (IANS): Iranian Defence Minister Amir Hatami warned the US of threats against the Iranian oil tankers carrying fuel to Venezuela.

Any threats for the tankers will trigger Iran's harsh response, Xinhua news agency quoted Hatami as saying to local media on Wednesday.

Causing any insecurity to the oil tankers and maritime trade routes is in violation of the international law and will draw reaction of international institutions and countries, said Hatami.

"Our policy is also clear, and we won't tolerate any disturbance for our tankers," he noted.

Ali Rabiei, government spokesperson, said on Monday that Iran was ready for the worst-case scenario over US threats against the shipment of Iranian fuel to Venezuela.

The remarks by the Iranian officials came after the White House announced last week that the US was considering measures it could take in response to Iran's shipment of fuel to crisis-stricken Venezuela.