Trump’s Iran blockade shows US power — and China’s energy vulnerability
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Currently, control of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of President Donald Trump. His short-term goal, of course, is to pressure Iran’s leaders to abandon their nuclear ambitions. But Trump’s blockade is also a major geopolitical hammer to China. For now, oil and petrochemical shipments will flow through this waterway only under the US Navy’s rules. All China can do is watch.
“If any of these ships come close to our blockade, they will be eliminated immediately using the same kill system we use against drug dealers on boats at sea,” Trump wrote. “Fast and brutal.”
Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of United States Central Command, came up with a brilliant plan to squeeze Iran while leaving the Gulf countries free to continue shipping. “The blockade shall be enforced on a neutral basis against ships of all nations entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman,” U.S. Central Command said. he said.
TRUMP CALLS TO THE WORLD TO CREATE ‘PREVIOUS COURAGE’, TO SEEK IMPORTANT OIL ROUTES FROM IRAN
Here’s how it works. For example, are you a legal VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) supertanker coming out of a UAE or Saudi Arabian port? US Central Command says you’re ready to go. Remember to contact and monitor marines on VHF Channel 16 for bridge-to-bridge communications.
On the other hand, if you are a ship receiving cargo from Iran, you are in big trouble. US Central Command’s aircraft and ships are under constant surveillance. Yes, the same clear picture seen in the drug boat attacks in the Caribbean. Military marine moving target indicator systems even have the ability to “rewind” and track ships from where they leave port. Note that ships violating the rules may also be stopped in deep waters. There is a large number of US Navy forces in the northern Persian Gulf.
Lloyd’s estimated 500 to 700 ships are still stranded in the Bosphorus; This number is even higher if smaller ships under 10,000 dwt tonnage are included. CENTCOM is stepping in to help. On Saturday, U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers USS Frank E. Petersen (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) sailed north through the Strait and turned south again, marking a path clear of mines. Cooper said Monday that CENTCOM “will soon share this safe path with the maritime industry to promote the free flow of commerce.” Look for a gradual but steady increase in traffic. Shippers need to reconfigure destinations, and this takes time.
Meanwhile, no ship will approach the Iranian port without being seen. Here are some of the systems that work according to the new rules of the Central Command.
WHY IS THE HORUZ STRAIT IMPORTANT WHEN TRUMP GIVES A NEW ULTIMATE TO IRAN?
Land-based seaplane. Above the strait, the land-based P-8 Poseidon and the 130-foot wingspan Navy high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle MQ-4 Triton create an uninterrupted sea view for Admiral Cooper. Their radars are specially tuned to track maritime targets.
E-2D Hawk Eye. The large radar dish on these aircraft belonging to the USS Abraham Lincoln can simultaneously track 3,000 air, land and sea targets in a 360-degree field of view. Real-time surveillance is essential
CLICK FOR OTHER OPINIONS OF FOX NEWS
USS Tripoli (LHA-7). The amphibious ship has 2,200 sailors and its own air wing. You can be sure that F-35B fighter jets, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotors and MH-60 Sierra helicopters are active. MH-60s can locate and disable mines and go after foolish IRGC small boats. Of course, Tripoli can board and seize ships if necessary.
Aegis destroyers. The U.S. Navy has about a dozen Aegis destroyers in the area, in addition to the two already operating the strait. Together they form the world’s best missile defense shield and have tremendous firepower.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
At this point, there isn’t much Iran can do to lift Trump’s blockade. Air strikes created craters in underground anti-ship cruise missile shelters. The Revolutionary Guard’s fast boats will go on a suicide mission if they attempt hit-and-run attacks. Drone defenses are available. US aircraft remain active during the ceasefire and can react quickly if Iran attacks.
Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports is a testament to America’s air and sea dominance. This is also a vivid reminder to Xi Jinping of China’s fragility. China imports approximately 11 million barrels of oil per day, 90% of which is transported by sea. The final state Trump desires is freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but in the meantime Trump is showing China that the US Navy can control the most important oil route at will. This is a real blow against the Sino-Russian intrigue.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REBECCA GRANT
