Nearly 50 miles fromIransails the nuclear-powered USS Eisenhower never before has the U.S. flexed so much muscle so close to the Muslim nation.
The move is a blunt warning to Iran: Dont follow through on a threat to close theStrait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the worlds oil passes.
If Israel attacks Irans nuclear sites, Iran has promised to fill the straits waters with boats packed with explosives and mine the seabed.
A $1,500 piece of explosive can take out hundreds of millions of assets in shipping and cargo, said Rear Adm. Michael Manazir, commander of Carrier Strike Group Eight.
With more jets, ships and nations 30 involved than in previous exercises, the U.S. has sent two aircraft carriers into the region.
Each carries more than 40 F-18 fighter jets that could reach thousands of miles into Iranian air space. In addition, each fighter jet has more firepower than the entire Iranian Air Force.
The international show of force is meant to reassure Israel and persuade Iran to not try anything even if it is attacked.
The U.S. hopes that tensions will ease, but Israel has warned that Irans capital, Tehran, is only six months away from a potential nuclear weapon.
As you can see, I can do a lot of damage with the airplanes that are onboard also the weapons that are in the strike group, Manazir said. But also, I can be a stabilizing influence.
Even after the exercise ends, though, the troops and additional assets will remain in the region to remind Iran that the U.S. can act just a few miles from its shores.
The Iran Project is not responsible for the content of quoted articles.
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