Report: U.S. bolsters defenses in Gulf amid Iran tensions
Haaretz
February 25, 2012
In an effort to counter any Iranian effort to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz waterway in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. is increasing both its sea- and land-based defense assets in the area, the Wall Street Journal reported.
According to the report, the U.S. military has informed Congress of plans to preposition new mine-detection and clearing equipment and expand surveillance capabilities in the area of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. defense officials were also quoted as saying that the military wants to modify weapons systems on ships so they can used against Iranian fast-attack boats and shore-launched cruise missiles.
Iran has said it could close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s crude oil passes, to shipping in response to Western sanctions over its nuclear program. The United States has vowed to keep the waterway open.
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