Iran has sent six warships to international waters, including the Gulf of Aden, to show its ability to confront any foreign threats, its naval commander said on Monday.
Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, quoted by the ISNA news agency, made the announcement five days after Iran said it test-fired a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 2,000 km (1,200 miles), putting Israel and U.S. bases in the area within reach.
Iran said on May 14 it had sent two warships to the Gulf of Aden to protect oil tankers from the world’s fifth-largest crude exporter against attacks by pirates but ISNA did not make clear whether they were among the six Sayyari talked about.
Hey, if their warships are guarding tankers carrying oil that will wind up here then great. It will keep the price of oil lower and discourage piracy. It’s a good use of naval power for Iran.
On the other hand, Dale: If things go sour, and Ahmadinejad decides to try to use his Navy’s “muscle,” you can expect those six ships of his to last maybe half an hour in combat with U.S. warships. Naval air power alone would take them out. They have no “at sea” combat experience…..only on occasional maneuvers, and if they’re confronted by Allied naval forces, they’ll back down.
#2. Cennydd,
Right you are Cennydd. I had the same image in my mind if they confronted U.S. naval power but I think they are a good match for Pirates in speed boats.
Of course they may be arming the Pirates. But I think the half hour includes time to actually sink.