Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Iran, Once Again, Holds Strait of Hormuz Hostage

By Douglas V. Gibbs

One-fifth of the world's oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, a slender sea passage between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf between the countries of Iran and Oman.  Iran test-fired missiles, and torpedoes, in the area as a show of Iran's military capabilities, while also warning foreign planes and warships in the area to stay clear.

Iran's drill is suspected to be aimed at showing the country's nuclear strength, to highlight recently-developed weapons systems, and is being viewed as a threat to close the Strait of Hormuz over sanctions that have been imposed on the rogue Muslim nation.

Among the missiles fired were an anti-ship missile, dubbed Noor, or Light, and missiles with a range of 50 kilometers (30 miles), capable of hitting targets in the region such as Israel and U.S. military bases in the Gulf.  Reports on the maneuvers also say Iran used its electronic warfare systems.

Since 1992, Iran has worked to implement a military self-sufficiency program, producing a large range of weapons, including tanks, missiles, jet fighters, unmanned drone aircraft and torpedoes.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary


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