Britain and US turn screws on Iran

[cal04]

BRITAIN has joined a campaign to strengthen substantially America's military presence in the Persian Gulf in an effort to blunt Iranian influence in Iraq and the region.

In a move likely to heighten tension, US forces have been ordered to detain Iranian agents in Iraq as outgoing US ambassador to Baghdad Zalman Khalilzad said: "We are going after their (Iran's) networks in Iraq."

The aim was to change the behaviour of the Islamic regime in Tehran, Mr Khalilzad said.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates accused Tehran of "very negative behaviour". The comments came as two British mine hunters arrived in the Gulf to reinforce a British Royal Navy frigate on patrol in the area.

(snip)
Britain's contribution is two mine hunters, HMS Blyth and HMS Ramsey, which will remain in the Gulf for a two-year mission to keep shipping routes open in the event that Iran attempts to block oil exports.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,21071975-601,00.html

[leveymg]

1. 2 Royal Navy minesweepers - pretty minimal -

hardly the stuff of a massive buildup to an attack on a major regional power.

[jpak]

2. That's in addition to other US and UK mine warfare ships already in the Gulf.

n/t

[leveymg]

3. I'm aware. Contrary to urban legend, there are no aircraft carriers in the

Gulf at present. There is one in the area, and another that's leaving its West Coast port.