Posted on 02/21/2011 1:57:29 PM PST by RedMDer
The repeated delays and contradictory statements about the two Iranian warships' transit of the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean is accounted for by a standoff between the Iranian flotilla and five US warships deployed in recent days at the waterway's southern entrance and along its course, debkafile's sources disclose. Thursday night, Feb. 17, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, escorted by missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf and the fast supply ship USNS Arctic, headed south through the canal. By Friday morning, they were through and taking up position opposite the Kharg cruiser and Alvand missile destroyer of the Iranian Navy's 12th Flotilla, which were waiting to enter the Suez Canal at the southern Red Sea entrance.
(Excerpt) Read more at debka.com ...
Red herring. Watch for the REAL cargo to be re-flagged under NK or some other nasty ME nation.
Thanks.
****** “I am no fan of Iran, but if this article is true, I don’t see what standing we have to do this.” ******
During the Cold War this was very Common we called it “F**k F**k” we would actually (and so would the Russians) raise the Black Ball (Steering Casualty) and we would actually bounce off of each other, at those times we took the opportunity to throw Oranges, Playboy Magazines etc over to our Russian Counterparts which they appreciated (we got the chance in some ports to actually talk with Russian Sailors)
TT
What kind of moron writes this stuff.
Personally, I just want to see carriers in Israeli ports with all their support of couree.
The word DEBKA is Hebrew for Horse S**t.
Pro'ly sent them to render a salute - to the Iranians ... oh, and also an apology.
your wrong ..biggest aircraft to operate off carriers A3d-2 heavy attack outfits
had ready queens 70 k pounds could launch off Forrestal class carriers sitting still ( cva 59, 60 61, 62 //light on fuel but could tank up once airborne ..could carry a couple of nukes /or iron bombs ..also the a4d-2 and the skyraiders AD-6 or 7 ? could carry the big ones ..these aircraft no longer around but guessing usn never gave up this ability ..hoot hoot VAH-9
About the same standing Iran had to run multiple speedboat/torpedo missile drills around our fleet. We're not on polite terms.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-Enterprise-Ombudsman-and-Family-Readiness-Group/142749715782256
My step dad was a naval aviator in the early to mid sixties. He said back in the day the A3D stood for “all three dead”.
To do "this" what?
So long as neither side initiates hostile action, by treaties every nation is entitled to transit the canal.
Consider the source.
Probably true, U.S. naval flotilla blocked the Iranian ships from entering the Suez canal... If the U.S. Naval Central Command would order so it will be complied no matter who's in the oval office.
DEBKA is not a credible news source. Why are posts from these teenagers still allowed here?
While the world is transfixed on the death throes of the Gaddafi regime in Libya, a high-stakes showdown is occurring along the Suez Canal between Iranian warships and a formidable force of American naval might.
The delayed entrance of two Iranian warships into the Suez Canal is the result of five American warships blocking the Iranian cruiser and missile destroyer. The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise, escorted by missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf and supply ship USNS Arctic, took up position blocking the Iranian ships from entering the southern entrance into the Suez. Nearby another aircraft carrier, the USS Kearsarge, with a large force of Marines, appears ready to follow the Iranian warships if they choose to enter the canal. This would put the Iranian ships between the two aircraft carriers.
The USS George Washington carrier and the USS Carl Vinson have also deployed in the Gulf of Aden, which is between Yemen and Somalia, south of the Red Sea entrance to the Suez Canal. Together they pose a deterrent to further Iranian warships arriving. The USS Abraham Lincoln has also left its port in Bahrain.
Why is the U.S. doing this?
The U.S. is concerned that Iran is trying to take advantage of the destabilization of North African countries by extending their influence, presenting a show of force against Israel and possibly to supply long-range missiles to Hezbollah.
“If the ships move through the canal, we will evaluate what they actually do. It’s not really about the ships. It’s about what the ships are carrying, what’s their destination, what’s the cargo on board, where’s it going, to whom and for what benefit,” State Department Spokesperson P.J. Crowley said.
Stuck in the middle of the Suez, the U.S. might exert its right to board the Iranian ships according to U.N. sanctions. Sanctions passed last year allow for the inspection of Iranian cargo ships. However, from what I am able to determine, the sanctions apply only to cargo ships. The boarding of another nation’s warships is usually not allowed. Indeed, it is usually considered an act of war.
The Iranians would be foolhardy to resist such firepower, but they are also unlikely to allow Americans to board their ships. By displaying such a force, the U.S. is hoping that the Iranians will back down. Undoubtedly, there is a lot of nail biting on both sides.
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