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Originally Posted by Skybird
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Originally Posted by jimbuna
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Iran has warned that in case of an attack by either the US or Israel, it will target 32 American bases in the Middle East and close the strategic Strait of Hormoz.
An estimated 40 percent of the world's oil supply passes through the waterway.
In a Sep. 11 report, the Washington Institute for the Near East Policy says that in the two decades since the Iran-Iraq War, the Islamic Republic has excelled in naval capabilities and is able to wage unique asymmetric warfare against larger naval forces.
According to the report, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy (IRGCN) has been transformed into a highly motivated, well-equipped, and well-financed force and is effectively in control of the world's oil lifeline, the Strait of Hormuz.
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Oh....and I can just see the US and (hopefully) the rest of the western world putting up with that sort of crap  |
That they can seal the strait, you better take as guaranteed. Some floating mines, some hidden land-based missiles, one or two subs in hidden wait, or some rubber boats operating in the dark to get within striking range for Panzerfausts or suicide attacks - and that's it. Asymmetrical war is great for the weaker side, and much less expensive. |
Nope I reckon Tomahawk strikes and repeated/precision air strikes (fed by satellite data, AWACS etc) to name just two, would put paid to any threat within striking distance of the Stratecically important Strait of Hormuz.
The stakes (loss of oil flow) to the west are far too high for half baked measures.
Iran would suffer a swift and decisive beating to reiterate what was at stake.
The alternative scenario would quite clearly be an intolerable and unacceptable situation for the US and her allies.
I hope it never comes to this mind......but you can only push your adversary so far before a reaction results.
As you alluded to earlier, I believe there are western dependants/countries in the region that privately would welcome Iran being brought back into line (non nuclear capability).