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DEBKAfile reports: The American Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group joins US build-up opposite Iran
Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group steamed into the Persian Gulf to join the US naval, air and marine concentration piling up opposite Iran’s shores. It consists of the amphibious transport dock USS Nashville, the guided-missile destroyers USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea, the attack submarine USS Albuquerque, and the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island.
The Iwo Jima group is now cruising 60 km from Kuwait off Iran’s coast. As DEBKAfile and DEBKA-Net-Weekly reported exclusively two weeks ago, three US naval task forces will be in place opposite Iran in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea by October 21. The other two are the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and the USS Enterprise Strike Group.
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wow, the US Navy has ships in the gulf? Damn, we unmistakenly are just days away from a bombing run to get as many civiliams as we can.
Like we do every 7-9 months when the battle groups rotate.
The sooner we knock out Iran's military abilities the better. Under no circumstances can we permit Iran to have nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them ... anywhere.
Why do I get the feeling you would advocate Israel and/or the US striking Iran WITH nuclear weapons in order to prevent Iran from getting nuclear weapons. Does your rationale apply to Pakistan as well?
If so, I hope you've warned your children and grandchildren to prepare for a bleak future lasting well into the 22nd century. And be sure to write down your thoughts in the family Bible so that your descendants can read them some day.
You're probably correct in that the latest US Navy deployment is a normal rotation of assets. However, all it takes is one torpedo launched by a rogue nationalistic Iranian crew to set the Middle East in flames.
Iran didn't take the bait when Israel attacked Lebanon and Hizbullah in July. Iran won't have the luxury of showing restraint if the US manufactures a reason to attack them.
Just keep an eye on the NYMEX oil futures which could signal an impending attack on Iran. Prior to the US attack on Iraq and the Israeli attack on Lebanon, the oil futures shot up about 15% four to six weeks in advance. Cause and effect or just coincidence? Let's see if the free market goes three for three.
*sigh* I want those ships to sink. Teach the Americans they're not gods.