In January, the Obama Administration installed the Patriot Defense Missile System in allied countries in the Persian Gulf region – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The US is also helping the Saudis develop a force to protect its oil installations.
American officials said the move is aimed at deterring an attack by Iran and reassuring Gulf states fearful that Tehran might react to sanctions by striking at US allies in the region. Washington is also seeking to discourage Israel from a strike against Iran by demonstrating that the US is prepared to contain any threat. [Guardian]
With Iran defiant and threatening US warships near the Straits of Hormuz through which most of the world’s oil supplies move coupled with rumors that Israel will in fact attack Iran in June, it is no surprise that a US buildup of supplies and troops has been underway for some time.
This week the first US nuclear sub entered the Straits of Hormuz. [Debka]
Not to be outdone, Hizballah [as opposed to Herballah - weak, yes?] has ordered 800 scuds and Syria is on high alert.
Posted on May 28, 2010