Iran launches exercise in the Persian Gulf

Arutz Sheva ^ | 3/8/18 | Elad Benari

[Eleutheria5]

The timing of the exercise is unusual, as it appears to be similar in scale and nature to a drill that ordinarily happens later in the autumn. It comes just days before the U.S. reimposes sanctions on Tehran after its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said several dozen boats were out training early Thursday morning.

The vessels are mostly small attack boats, and there have been no interactions with U.S. ships in the area, the official added, according to AFP.

In a statement, Captain Bill Urban, the military's Central Command spokesman, said the U.S. was "aware of an increase" in Iranian naval operations in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

"We are monitoring it closely, and will continue to work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation and free flow of commerce in international waterways," Urban said.

On Wednesday, American officials said the planned drill could be aimed at demonstrating the ability of the Revolutionary Guards to shut down the Strait of Hormuz.

.....

[Eleutheria5]

Sending a few of their washtubs to the bottom might also shut down the Straight of Hormuz. But the bombing sorties wouldn't be stopped by that.

[BBell]

A diversion tactic. The regime is not doing so well as of late so they are trying to stoke some nationalistic fervor to held prop it up. Also a good why to crack down on any suspected opposition using a national emergency as the reason. I hope we don't take the bait.

Look for false flags coming from the Iranians.

[Eleutheria5]

Donald’s nobody’s fool.

[BBell]

No. I would say 0bama was a fool but I think he knew exactly what he was doing.

[metmom]

ping

[SaveFerris]

[ The timing of the exercise is unusual, as it appears to be similar in scale and nature to a drill that ordinarily happens later in the autumn. It comes just days before the U.S. reimposes sanctions on Tehran after its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. ]

Yeah, heard it was shaping up. Didn’t know this about the timing, though.

TFTP

[SpaceBar]

It’s for domestic consumption with pretty farsi newsreaders and scrolling noodles to show they are defying the great satan to quell the daily street riots.

[PIF]

More here:
Iran To Practice Blockading Strait Of Hormuz As Saudis Say Mandeb Strait Is No Longer Safe
Any serious Iranian attempt to shut down both passages simultaneously could be a nightmare scenario for international commerce, or worse.

[CincyRichieRich]

They are not choosing wisely.

[Eleutheria5]

So do I. Stupid like a fox.

[ronnie raygun]

Man your row boats mullahs!

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

I would stand in line and pay to see the movie One A10 Thunderbird vs. The Entire Iranian Navy.

μολὼν λαβέ

[Eleutheria5]

It might be a very short movie.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Thunderbird should be Thunderbolt. It was early. There was coffee in involved.

[skimbell]

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

Breaking...Actual photo's of the launch of their navy with supporting air cover.

Warship Launch

Fighter Umbrella

[Eleutheria5]

Admiralty

[Eleutheria5]

R&D

[Eleutheria5]

If they lose, they blame the Jooos!

[ImJustAnotherOkie]

If they lose, they blame the Jooos!

There is probably more than a little bit of truth in that one.