The US may start combat actions against Iran even in two weeks; escalation of America’s military presence in the Persian Gulf goes on openly, Igor Korotchenko, presidium member of social council at Defense Ministry and editor of The National Defense magazine said on Jan 17.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz which is one of the key oil transport route became strained after recent Iranian Navy’s exercise ended with missile test launches. Earlier on, Iranian military said the strait could be blocked if Western countries impose embargo on Iran’s oil export. Those statements were followed by American military promising to disallow any obstacles to oil shipments.
“In fact, only two weeks left to the key moment, and we may witness real aggression of the US against Iran” , said Korotchenko at the round table discussion arranged by RIA Novosti . According to him, the US builds up and redeploys naval force in the region.
In addition, third American aircraft carrier is underway to the area of potential conflict. Korotchenko stressed that US carriers “ do not sail alone “, they have escort including one or two nuclear-powered attack submarines.
“ I think that American and British naval forces will act as a united military structure. Under certain conditions, Israel may join them if Iran, being attacked, would try or really carry out missile strikes against Israel as preventive measures” , added the expert.
US Navy has already deployed aircraft carriers in the Gulf. According to Pentagon, several carrier groups stationed in the Persian Gulf is not anything unusual and have no relation to aggravated situation around Iran.
The US and some other Western countries charge Iran of nuclear weapon development under veil of peaceful nuclear programs. Tehran says its nuclear program is aimed only at national energy demands.
Foreign ministers of European Union countries will convene on Jan 23 to discuss possibility of embargo on Iranian oil.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 20, 2012