Will Iran Close Hormuz?

[Jimbeaux]

First the Iranian Vice President, then the head of the Navy said they are considering closing the straight. Most here believe that is just the usual bluster. To begin with, they have more to lose by locking in their own oil. Next, why would they want to endanger their navy? I personally believe like the others that this is just more hot air. What does PH think?

[anonymous-user]

If they do it wont be for long!

[mybrainhurts]

How do you think they could do that..?

Flood it with poisonous jellyfish..?

[Puggit]

Hmmm, locking the US 5th fleet in at Bahrain? Never going to end well.

[psgcarey]

last time round mines were used

[Xeno]

All the shipping lanes are in Oman?

[Mr Sparkle]

psgcarey said:

last time round mines were used

Resulted in Operation Praying Mantis

[DAVEVO9]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-163486...

[Jimbeaux]

Guam said:

If they do that it will kick off the next war <which is what I increasingly believe they want> imho.


Cheers

In addition to losing their navy, they will have all land-based communications and support activities struck. They have too much to lose to pull such a stunt. I think this sabre rattling is for domestic consumption and support.

[jmorgan]

Have we got any ships there....


I think they may engineer something for political gain.

[Jimbeaux]

jmorgan said:

Have we got any ships there....


I think they may engineer something for political gain.

Not sure about British ships. I think the 5th Fleet (US) is about 22 ships; not sure of sub numbers. 15,000 people afloat and 1,000 on shore.

Edited by Jimbeaux on Thursday 29th December 22:22

[Puggit]

DAVEVO9 said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-163486...

Interesting fact as to why the straits won't be closed in the little facts box... China gets 50% of its oil through the straits!

[Jimbeaux]

Puggit said:

DAVEVO9 said:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-163486...

Interesting fact as to why the straits won't be closed in the little facts box... China gets 50% of its oil through the straits!

So what? The Chinese have no military capabilities in that area. The Iranians get 80% of their funds from exports through that waterway, it makes even less sense based upon that fact.

[psgcarey]

the Iranians must know that Israel cannot allow them to develop nuclear technology, whether for peaceful or military purposes, and stopping the program will be a big loss of face. Hopefully just sabre-rattling but engineering a stunt like this, giving the US an excuse to strike back at their nuclear facilities, could work for both sides.

[D-Angle]

I hope not, it's lovely on Ryvita.

[OdramaSwimLaden]

D-Angle said:

I hope not, it's lovely on Ryvita.

....and the price of Hormuz and Taramasalata will be going up two as it's a double dip recession.

[ben_h100]

Hope it doesn't kick off as I'm off to Qatar next year.

[V8A*ndy]

All they are trying to do is raise the price of oil.

Chuck a few threats about and the markets react.

[pacman1]

Jimbeaux said:

jmorgan said:

Have we got any ships there....


I think they may engineer something for political gain.

Not sure about British ships. I think the 5th Fleet (US) is about 22 ships; not sure of sub numbers. 15,000 people afloat and 1,000 on shore.

That's a lot of poo.

Won't someone think of the fish?

[jmorgan]

Jimbeaux said:

Not sure about British ships. I think the 5th Fleet (US) is about 22 ships; not sure of sub numbers. 15,000 people afloat and 1,000 on shore.

Edited by Jimbeaux on Thursday 29th December 22:22

I was being a bit sarcastic with regards the last time we lost some ipods to them.