Written from one episode
- Said by
- Ward Carroll
- In
- US Navy Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz Goes OFFENSIVE
- On
- Published
This article is one episode of one show, written down. Nothing in it has been checked against other sources, so read it as an account of what that show said on that date.
Conflicts and Campaigns
US Military Operations in Strait of Hormuz
A discussion on evolving US maritime strategies and threats in the Strait of Hormuz.
Commercial Shipping Risks in the Strait of Hormuz
According to retired naval aviator Ward Carroll, the current U.S. military strategy in the ongoing conflict with Iran prioritizes neutralizing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)'s radar and missile systems, which are critical for attacking commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Carroll reports that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed recent strikes on IRGC targets, including air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communication infrastructure. This response followed a series of attempted IRGC attacks on both commercial shipping and U.S. military personnel. Despite these efforts, the situation remains fraught; just days after the strikes, two oil tankers, one Saudi-flagged and the other Liberian-flagged, were targeted by rockets while attempting to navigate the strait covertly by turning off their transponders to evade detection. The attacks resulted in the deaths of two Filipino mariners onboard one vessel, underlining the continued dangers presented to global shipping in the area.
Carroll highlights one of the most dramatic developments: the implementation of a "tanker for a tanker" strategy by CENTCOM, which retaliated against the IRGC’s aggressive actions by striking two Iranian government-owned tankers. This shift marks a departure from prior U.S. blockading tactics focused primarily on preventing Iranian oil from being transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
The increasing intensity of these incidents underscores the vulnerabilities faced by commercial shipping in this critical maritime passage.
US Navy's Readiness and Operations in the Region
Carroll provides a detailed account of U.S. carrier operations designed to address IRGC threats and maintain regional stability. Recent CENTCOM-released footage showcased the deployment of various aircraft and weapons systems from the carriers USS George H.W. Bush, USS Washington, and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. Among the featured aircraft were an F/A-18F Super Hornet configured as an airborne tanker, an F-35C stealth fighter armed with AIM-120 missiles, and a joint standoff weapon-equipped F/A-18E. Carroll explains that these configurations enable diverse roles in aerial refueling, precision strikes, and air interdiction.
The operations also included Tomahawk missile launches from a Navy destroyer in the region, successfully targeting Iranian air defense and offensive capabilities.
According to Carroll, these naval actions are part of a coordinated strategy to counteract Iran's aggressive posturing. He emphasizes that the successful strikes on IRGC infrastructure demonstrate the Navy’s robust preparation and ability to execute orders swiftly.
Escalation within the Maritime and Regional Operational Theater
Carroll notes that the IRGC has escalated tensions in response to U.S. actions. This escalation included a wave of drone and missile attacks on American military installations in countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. While damage was mitigated by defensive measures, such as Jordanian forces intercepting most ballistic missile launches, these incidents underscore the growing volatility in the region.
Further complicating the situation, an American surveillance balloon in Erbil, Iraq, was destroyed by an Iranian drone. Carroll remarks that, despite these direct attacks on U.S. assets, no injuries or fatalities were reported on the American side. However, the brazenness of Iran’s actions signals that the conflict within the region has entered a highly precarious phase.
Implications on Regional Security and Logistics
The intensifying conflict has had immediate repercussions on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Carroll cites data from maritime tracker Kepler, highlighting a significant drop in daily vessel transits: from historical averages of 31 ships per day in June to only nine on the most recent Monday, with further reductions seen on the following day. This sharp decline in activity underscores the escalating risks for commercial shipping.
The two oil tankers attacked in the southern corridor managed by U.S. forces were carrying millions of barrels of crude oil, and the incidents have further strained global oil markets. Carroll observes that the price of Brent crude oil has climbed in response to these tensions, underlining the broader economic ramifications.
FAQ
how does a naval blockade work in the Strait of Hormuz
Ward Carroll explains that a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz involves preventing hostile attempts to disrupt vessel traffic while securing critical maritime routes. The U.S. employs strikes on IRGC assets, such as radar systems and maritime capabilities, to mitigate threats. Meanwhile, the Navy provides protection for commercial vessels transiting the chokepoint through constant surveillance and operational readiness.
US carrier strike group Persian Gulf defense
Carroll describes U.S. carrier strike groups in the Persian Gulf as central to maintaining regional security and addressing Iranian threats. These groups deploy advanced platforms like F/A-18 Super Hornets, F-35 stealth fighters, and Tomahawk missiles for roles including aerial refueling, precision strikes, and air interdiction. Their presence acts as both a deterrent against IRGC actions and a reassurance to the global shipping community.
What was said, and when
The points this article makes, and the moment in the recording where each was said. Every time below opens the recording at that moment.
- The U.S. military strategy against Iran prioritizes neutralizing the IRGC's radar and missile systems. 00:00.
- The U.S. Central Command confirmed recent strikes on IRGC targets including air defense sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities, and communication infrastructure. 00:15.
- Two oil tankers, Saudi-flagged and Liberian-flagged, were targeted by rockets while attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz covertly. 02:45.
- The attacks on the oil tankers resulted in the deaths of two Filipino mariners onboard one vessel. 03:09.
- CENTCOM implemented a 'tanker for a tanker' strategy, retaliating against IRGC actions by striking two Iranian government-owned tankers. 03:09.
- The carriers USS George H.W. Bush, USS Washington, and the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer are conducting operations in the region. 02:04.
- CENTCOM footage showcased aircraft such as an F/A-18F Super Hornet, an F-35C stealth fighter, and an F/A-18E equipped for specific roles in the operations. 01:17.
- Tomahawk missile launches from a Navy destroyer successfully targeted Iranian air defense and offensive capabilities. 02:10.
- The IRGC has escalated tensions with a wave of drone and missile attacks on American military installations in Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. 03:33.
- Jordanian forces intercepted most ballistic missile launches in their territory during these escalations. 03:33.
- An American surveillance balloon in Erbil, Iraq, was destroyed by an Iranian drone. 03:50.
- Kepler data indicates a significant drop in daily vessel transits in the Strait of Hormuz. 04:02.
- Daily vessel transits decreased from historical averages of 31 ships per day in June to only nine ships on a recent Monday. 04:02.
- The price of Brent crude oil has climbed in response to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. 04:13.
- The two oil tankers attacked in the southern corridor were carrying millions of barrels of crude oil. 02:45.
Where this came from
This article is written from US Navy Blockade in the Strait of Hormuz Goes OFFENSIVE, an episode of Ward Carroll, recorded on . It was written up here on . This site writes down what the episode said and links the moment it was said. It does not check whether what was said is true. How an episode becomes an article.