I think this is very important to discuss on FJ. A third front in this war, will definitely add a new element to the equation of security for us all. If Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear facilities, and Iran decides to retaliate by shutting down the Straits of Hormuz, then it is game on. And if Israel’s attack on the Syrian nuclear facilities late last year, are any indicator of their views on a nuclear middle east, then this latest standoff with Iran should be of concern.
My concern, on how this applies to security in Iraq, is that Quds forces will up their attacks and disruption plans there. That equates to more EFPs and IEDs and ambushes. I don’t think it will be a massive problem, because we have a strategy in place in Iraq that is already in place to deal with Quds and the militias. But I could see an increase on attacks on oil facilities and port facilities though. Iran knows that any and all attacks on oil, will hurt the US and the world. They know that in a military battle, they would lose. But in terms of economics, they can certainly hurt us by attacking oil supplies and processing. Of course an all out war is not good for Iran either. It seems that they are dealing with some economic problems as well, to include a shortage of gasoline. LOL
So my hope is that this will be solved through diplomacy, but if it does happen, we have to be ready for the consequences. –Head Jundi
A photo from Operation Praying Mantis*. This was an Iranian frigate that was attacked by the US Navy after one of our ships hit an Iranian mine in the gulf back in the eighties.
US Navy: Iran won’t be allowed to close Hormuz
By BARBARA SURK
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. Navy and its Gulf allies will not allow Iran to seal off the strategic Strait of Hormuz, the commander of U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf said Wednesday.
Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, commander of the 5th Fleet, made the warning during talks with naval commanders of Gulf countries in the United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi. The one-day meeting was to focus on the security of the region’s maritime and trade routes and the threat of terrorism.