‘This is the last warning.’ Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
U.S. Navy ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, sending an unmistakable signal challenging Iran’s control of the narrow waterway that will likely determine the outcome of the Middle East war.
USS michael murphy activated its automatic identification system, as did itself and another destroyer, USS Frank E PetersonIt crossed the strait, breaking typical protocol for Navy ships navigating with their AIS turned off.
“You don’t accidentally activate AIS on a Navy ship,” said Salvatore Mercogliano, a Campbell University professor who specializes in military and naval history. on your podcast. “This is a deliberate move. They wanted to open it on the far side of the Strait of Hormuz to show that they passed through the Strait of Hormuz.”
US Central Command said the destroyers had begun creating conditions necessary to clear mines planted by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Stating that more US forces, including underwater unmanned aerial vehicles, will participate in the cleaning efforts in the coming days, the organization pointed out that the strait is an international maritime passage and an important trade corridor.
In a statementAdm. Brad Cooper said Central Command is “creating a new gateway” for the maritime industry for the free flow of commerce.
Iran’s seizure of the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquid natural gas flowed before the war, triggered a global energy crisis and represents the regime’s main leverage over the United States.
The destroyers’ passage through the strait took place as the United States and Iran started ceasefire talks in Pakistan this weekend. But if the Navy creates a safe route for tankers that doesn’t require obtaining Iranian permission and paying tolls, then the talks will shift in America’s favor.
As a result, the Revolutionary Guard challenged the Navy destroyers during the passage, according to a radio conversation recorded by a civilian ship. shared with Wall Street Magazine.
Revolutionary Guards said, “This is the last warning. This is the last warning.”
The US ship responded, “Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you, and I intend to abide by our government’s ceasefire rules.”
Iranian media said the destroyers turned back after encountering the Revolutionary Guard. launched a drone towards the destroyers. The Revolutionary Guard also said that any attempt by military ships to cross the strait would be met with a “harsh and strong response.”
So far, U.S. warships have been avoiding the strait, which Navy officials had previously described as an “intrusion.” Iran’s “kill box” rife with numerous threats, including anti-ship missiles, drones, fast attack boats and mines. Given how narrow the strait is, shells can be fired from close range, providing little time for a defensive reaction.
Meanwhile, the US military continues to send more combat forces to the region. A third aircraft carrier, as well as thousands of sailors and paratroopers, are expected to arrive later this month. More large-scale cruise missiles are also flowing into the Middle East.
Mercogliano said there had been previous indications that the Navy was resupplying its ships via the island of Diego Garcia, potentially to resupply ammunition. Littoral warships equipped with mine-hunting underwater drones could also be in the mix.
Although it is not clear whether the destroyers entered the strait with or without these ships, this was an important turning point in terms of oil trade.
“One of the things that commercial ships expected to see was whether this strait was clear, and having two destroyers coming in is a big deal,” he added.
Despite ongoing ceasefire talks another military conflict There may be a conflict between the USA and Iran in the near future. Bob McNally, founder of Rapidan Energy he told CNBC on Thursday He thinks the United States is “preparing for the second round.”
The United States has said Iran’s influence will erode as it weakens its ability to threaten shipping traffic, and conditions for a permanent ceasefire with the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could emerge later this month.
Likening neutralizing Iran’s threats to a game of whack-a-mole, McNally drew attention to the variety of weapons and noted that the United States has reduced Iran’s underwater mine stock.
“This may not be widely reported, but I believe the US military has been focused on eliminating these moles for the past week and weakening Iran’s capability,” he added. “You may not be able to get rid of it completely, but you can reduce Iran’s ability to intercept shipping to a manageable level; that’s when insurance can come into play, escorts can come into play, and people can start to take action.”
This story first appeared on: Fortune.com
