Report: Obama To Meet With Netanyahu, As Naval Ships Heading For Strait Of Hormuz

Thomas Lifson

Are matters coming to a head in the Middle East? According to a report by Sean Rayment of the UK Telegraph, the leaders of the United States are going to meet tomorrow, something that had previously not been announced, as annual naval exercises – the largest ever, are to bring a large flotilla of western vessels to the Strait of Hormuz:

In preparation for any pre-emptive or retaliatory action by Iran, warships from more than 25 countries, including the United States, Britain, France, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, will today begin an annual 12-day exercise.

The war games are the largest ever undertaken in the region.

They will practise tactics in how to breach an Iranian blockade of the strait and the force will also undertake counter-mining drills.

The multi-national naval force in the Gulf includes three US Nimitz class carrier groups, each of which has more aircraft than the entire complement of the Iranian air force.

The carriers are supported by at least 12 battleships, including ballistic missile cruisers, frigates, destroyers and assault ships carrying thousand of US Marines and special forces.

The British component consists of four British minesweepers and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan Bay, a logistics vessel. HMS Diamond, a brand-new £1billion Type 45 destroyer, one of the most powerful ships in the British fleet, will also be operating in the region.

In addition, commanders will also simulate destroying Iranian combat jets, ships and coastal missile batteries.

An impressive show of force, to be sure. Even more significant may be the meeting between the heads of governments of Israel and the United States, suggesting an Israeli strike may be being planned.
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