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How could Iran militarily close the Strait of Hormuz?

By Ali Omidi - posted Wednesday, 28 December 2011


Conventional tactics involve using the following military capabilities:

A. Speed boats

Historically, using speed boats in warfare traces back to the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88). These vessels proved  effective  against combat vessels, not to mention transport ships. Such vessels are equipped with  marine radar, advanced electronic communication systems, short-range anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of 25 km, naval mines and torpedoes with medium and large calibre weapons, along with traditional semi heavy rocket launchers and missiles which can be thrown from the shoulders for short-and long-term blockage of the strait , and also to fight any combat naval fleets attempting to open the path.

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High-speed vessels with sophisticated equipment also support operations at night, and in inclement weather. They have shown their versatility  in large and small military exercises many times in recent years. The Iranian army has been equipped with  the world's fastest boats comprising unmanned speed boats designed to execute  required missions.

B. Submarines

The Iranian Navy has been equipped with submarines which increase Iranian military power in the region. These submarines can use torpedoes, mines and missiles to target combatants and can remain under water for days or weeks. In addition to Russian Kilo submarines, Iran has designed others  including Whales, Ghadir, and Fateh, all  tailored to the Persian Gulf geography. They are able to be placed  in the seabed and are resistant to sonar and radar systems.

The number of submarines is estimated to be more than 20 which are capable of blocking the Strait and engage  the surface and subsurface fleet of any combatant. These submarines can carry dozens of torpedoes and mines. Iran also has small submarines known as Martoob(wet) which carry one or more persons for commando operations, mine dispersal and firing torpedoes.This equipment along with other naval capabilities can operate in areas that can block the strait and operate  in narrow shallow waters.

C. Warships

Iranian warships include different classes of frigates and destroyers (USS Protector). These vessels are capable of firing anti-ship ballistic missiles with a range of 120 to 170 km. These vessels are also equipped with canons.  having a range from 114 and 76 mm.  From bitter experience with the US in  a short war in 1987, Iran no longer invests in these vessels largely.

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D. Anti-ship cruise missiles andBallistic missiles

Iran has made two kinds of anti-ship cruise missiles:

1. Anti-ship beach –deploying surface-to-surface cruise missiles;

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Laurelle Atkinson  and Dr. Helen W. Dehn contributed by editing this article.



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About the Author

Dr Ali Omidi is Assistant Professor of International Relationsat the University of Isfahan-Iran.

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Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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