Japanese ship owner contradicts U.S. account of how tanker was attacked

[sooda]

Excellent point. Again, the Iranians have the ability to sink those ships but they didn't. Why? Because this is about intimidation and an assertion of force. Iran is saying "Respect us or we will hurt you". Iran shutting down the Gulf would hurt their economy but it would devastate the global economy. They're leaders are religiously based; they aren't thinking in terms of capitalism like Westerners.

If they could close the Strait of Hormuz, there is still the East West Pipeline and SUMED, but it would be real bad even for them.

 

[Road Warrior]

If they could close the Strait of Hormuz, there is still the East West Pipeline and SUMED, but it would be real bad even for them.

True, but the result would be the complete destruction of the Iranian forces/weapons systems shutting down the Gulf. That could quickly escalate into a regional war. Iran is smarter than that and they are very, very patient.

 

[sooda]

True, but the result would be the complete destruction of the Iranian forces/weapons systems shutting down the Gulf. That could quickly escalate into a regional war. Iran is smarter than that and they are very, very patient.

I feel so sorry for the Iranian people.

 

[Road Warrior]

I feel so sorry for the Iranian people.

It's up to them to revolt. They've done so before.

 

[Wandering Monk]

I feel so sorry for the Iranian people.

They elected the clowns in charge there. I don't feel sorry for them in the least.

 

[sooda]

It's up to them to revolt. They've done so before.

I know, but I think the Revolutionary Guard is as crazy as the Mullahs.

 

[Road Warrior]

They elected the clowns in charge there. I don't feel sorry for them in the least.

The fairness of Iranian elections is about the same level as the elections in Russia and China.

 

[Road Warrior]

I know, but I think the Revolutionary Guard is as crazy as the Mullahs.

Still, Iranian citizens outnumber both the the Mullahs and the Revolutionary Guard. There are plenty of Iranian families still damaged by the Iran-Iraq War.

 

[Shaul]

W. H. Y. would Iran want to intimidate Japan? How do they expect to materially benefit? Note also your "explanation" fails to address the fact that Iran is strongly denying responsibility. That seems counter productive if they're trying to intimidate anyone.

How about to weaken U.S./Japanese unity?

 

[Kangaroo Feathers]

How about to weaken U.S./Japanese unity?

1. weaken U.S./Japanese unity
2.
3. Profit!

Explain step two, please.

Also, feel free to explain how it would "weaken U.S./Japanese unity" in the first place. Taking military action in defence of allies is usually seen as as a strengthening act, is it not?

 

[Road Warrior]

How about to weaken U.S./Japanese unity?

A valid point, but I think it's less direct than that. IMO, Iran is sending a message to all who use Gulf oil that they, Iran, are to be respected and treated fairly.

 

[Kangaroo Feathers]

A valid point, but I think it's less direct than that. IMO, Iran is sending a message to all who use Gulf oil that they, Iran, are to be respected and treated fairly.

By denying responsibility for the attack?

 

[Shaul]

Russia Says It Doesn't Know What Happened in Gulf, But U.S. Photos Do Not Prove Iran's Role

All of a sudden you accept Russian sources? Weren’t you among those that kept tell us that Russians were liars that interfered in the 2016 elections?