U.S. and Britain to Add Ships to Persian Gulf in Signal to Iran

[veracity00]

New York Times
By THOM SHANKER
Published: December 21, 2006

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 — The United States and Britain will begin moving additional warships and strike aircraft into the Persian Gulf region in a display of military resolve toward Iran that will come as the United Nations continues to debate possible sanctions against the country, Pentagon and military officials said Wednesday.

The officials said that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates was expected this week to approve a request by commanders for a second aircraft carrier and its supporting ships to be stationed within quick sailing distance of Iran by early next year.

Senior American officers said the increase in naval power should not be viewed as preparations for any offensive strike against Iran. But they acknowledged that the ability to hit Iran would be increased and that Iranian leaders might well call the growing presence provocative. One purpose of the deployment, they said, is to make clear that the focus on ground troops in Iraq has not made it impossible for the United States and its allies to maintain a military watch on Iran. That would also reassure Washington’s allies in the region who are concerned about Iran’s intentions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/21/wo...html?ref=world

[86Dude]

Just more tonnage to sink with their huge stockpiles of backstabbing French and russian anti-ship, sunburn missiles, that latter of which is completely unstoppable.

[zipper99]

Funny, I seem to recall that when the Shah was ruling the roost ALL his armaments were courtesy of Uncle Sam...but of course, that was different.

Damn inconvenient these people actually arming themselves against attack, don't they realise our game plan is they all run and hide when we "shock and awe" them...

[86Dude]

Originally Posted by zipper99

Funny, I seem to recall that when the Shah was ruling the roost ALL his armaments were courtesy of Uncle Sam...but of course, that was different.

Yes Dave it was entirely different.