US-Iran Naval Standoff: The increasing tension between America and Iran has now reached the sea. Oil supply is under threat due to the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Know why small Iranian ships are becoming a big challenge for America.
US Iran naval blockade: At present, not only ships but also tensions are floating in the waters of the Gulf. The increasing conflict between America and Iran has made the situation such that now this matter is not limited to just two countries, but has become a concern for the entire world. Its direct impact is visible on the movement of ships, oil supply and security.
Blockade begins, Trump warns sternly
America has increased its strictness on ships traveling to and from Iran’s ports. Former US President Donald Trump issued an open warning to Iran on his social media platform. He claimed that Iran’s navy had been heavily damaged and that if any ship came close to the blockade, it would be immediately destroyed.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), strict surveillance is being maintained around Iranian ports. However, America says that there is no intention to completely stop the ships of other countries, but investigation and monitoring will definitely be done.
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Iran’s threat of counterattack
After this action of America, Iran is also in no mood to retreat. Tehran has made it clear that if its ships are stopped, it can target the ports of other countries in the Gulf. This means that now this conflict can take a big form at any time, the impact of which can be not only regional but global.
Why are small ships becoming the biggest threat?
America claims that it has caused considerable damage to Iran’s navy, but the real challenge is not over yet. Iran has a special fleet of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which includes small and very fast attack ships. These ships are specially designed for fighting in narrow sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. Their specialty is that they:
- can attack fast
- can fire missiles
- Can lay mines in the sea
- Can harass large merchant ships
Experts believe that these small ships hide easily, hence it is not easy to destroy them.
Iran’s strategy changed after ‘tanker war’
Iran has not made this strategy a new one. Its roots go back to the Tanker War of 1988. At that time, America had caused heavy damage to Iran’s big ships in a single day. After this, Iran changed its strategy and started focusing more on small, fast and deadly ships.
Britain-France distanced themselves
Many NATO countries are avoiding direct involvement in this entire conflict. Countries like United Kingdom and France have made it clear that they will not be a part of this blockade.
They say that their focus is to normalize the situation instead of escalating the conflict, especially the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Impact on the world: Threat to oil supply
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil routes in the world. About 20% of the global oil supply passes through this route. But in the current situation, the movement of ships here has almost come to a standstill. Where earlier about 125 ships used to pass daily, now this number has reduced to very less.
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