Gingrich: 'Eliminate' Iran's govt over oil route

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich called Monday for eliminating the government of Iran if it blocks passage through a key oil route in the Middle East.

Campaigning in Tennessee ahead of Tuesday's primary, the former House speaker said the U.S. should declare war if Iran attempts to close the Straits of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil exports pass.

"We should indicate calmly and decisively that any threat to close the Straits of Hormuz would be considered an act of war and we will eliminate the government of Iran," Gingrich said in Alcoa, Tenn.