> Iran-Iraq war was decades ago, every weapon system has changed
Not the point. The point is when the world was even more dependent on oil, hundreds of tankers getting potted was no more than a major nuisance.
> Iran has anti-ship missiles they can fire with impunity at tankers
But limited launchers. And if by “with impunity” you mean losing launchers every time they fire, sure.
> Shaheds are not yet used against moving targets, but it's plausible they are ready for that
This would be an issue.
> then they can close the straits
As you say, this gives everyone in the Gulf, EU, China and India a motivated reason to ensure the war ends.
Also, Iran closing the Strait (note: singular) is self siege. A legitimate American strategy could be just waiting them out while potting shit from the air.
> the nuclear option is very nuclear
There are no nuclear tactics on the table at this time.
Not the point. The point is when the world was even more dependent on oil, hundreds of tankers getting potted was no more than a major nuisance.
> Iran has anti-ship missiles they can fire with impunity at tankers
But limited launchers. And if by “with impunity” you mean losing launchers every time they fire, sure.
> Shaheds are not yet used against moving targets, but it's plausible they are ready for that
This would be an issue.
> then they can close the straits
As you say, this gives everyone in the Gulf, EU, China and India a motivated reason to ensure the war ends.
Also, Iran closing the Strait (note: singular) is self siege. A legitimate American strategy could be just waiting them out while potting shit from the air.
> the nuclear option is very nuclear
There are no nuclear tactics on the table at this time.