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There’s no need to wait thirty days for the Iranian response to the UN’s demands. They’ve already rejected complying with UN requirements to stop enriching uranium. And now, Tehran’s military has announced wargames in the Persian Gulf. The money quote from Mostafa Safari, commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps navy:

The revolutionary guards corps navy and air force in collaboration with (Iran's regular) army, navy, (the volunteer militia) Basij, and the Iranian police will start a manoeuvre from 31 March until 6 April in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman…The exercise will cover an area stretching from the northern tip of the Persian Gulf all the way to the port city of Chah-Bahar in the Sea of Oman extending 40km into the sea.

Hmm. According to my maps, that’s about 300 miles from the port of Dubai, where many US navy ships land.  Well within combat range of either side’s aircraft.

Iran is dragging its coat at our doorstep.  The conflict with Iran grows hotter on the most critical sea lane in the world. Closing the nearby Strait of Hormuz would choke off the flow of Saudi and Kuwait oil to the US and Europe. Is this a wargame or a rehearsal? And what are we prepared to do?

topics:
Military, Iran, Oil