Low-tech Iranian mines and drones are paralyzing commercial traffic in the Gulf, challenging the US Navy's dominance. This echoes WWI's Battle of Gallipoli, where mines hobbled Britain's mighty fleet. Iran's asymmetric tactics threaten global supply chains and could impact US elections.
Can the world’s greatest naval power be foiled by something as low-tech as floating mines? Right now, massive US aircraft carriers and destroyers dominate the Gulf. Iran has no comparable vessels. Yet the damage caused by Iranian drones and mines has paralysed commercial traffic in the Gulf, and the US is unable to ensure security. It has destroyed Iranian minelayers and shore batteries of drones, but that has not sufficed.
Perhaps US President Trump should have learned a lesson from World War I on asymmetric naval warfare. That would have warned him of the hazards that can hobble the greatest naval power.
Perhaps US President Trump should have learned a lesson from World War I on asymmetric naval warfare. That would have warned him of the hazards that can hobble the greatest naval power.