Does Iran have the capability to block the Strait of Hormuz Essay

Does Iran have the capability to block the Strait of Hormuz - Essay Example By using this large manpower, Iran could achieve temporary closure of the strait. The Iranian navy has bases all along the coast line of their country, together with a large naval air station and operative headquarters at Bandar Abbas situated on the north of the strait. The IRGCN has military outpost on the islands close to the straits such as Abu Musa, Larak, and Sirri.To protect all these straits along with establishing their strong hold over all these areas, Iran has also positioned pre-surveyed missile and air defence sites with satellite imagery of the southern coast of Larak, facing the strait.30In addition, Iran’s continuous effort to establish their rights over the islands of the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, situated in between the channels in the west will help them drastically if they ever push any effort to closethe strait. So after analyzing all the above points, one can easily mentioned that Iran can afford to achieve a momentary closure of the strait. This temporar y closure of any such strait have a greater impact on the world politics and economy not only in terms of oil trading but at the same time if there are any kinds of military approach is implemented to reopen it. Although, there is a different set of argument posed by other schools of thought that even if Iran should accomplish a blockade on the strait it would be partial due to the fact that it would inviteintervention from the international powerhouses like, UK, USA, Germany and other top power houses, by using their technological power and military strength can easily resolve the situation within a shorter span of time as it was witnessed during the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War.31 Although all the above mentioned points are true, it is also significant to consider the fact that as Iran has large number of sea mines under their control so one cannot overlook their