The US Destroyed Iran's Naval Capabilities Once, and We Can Do It Again
The volatile Middle East region is once again on edge.
One oil tanker was left in flames and another was badly damaged on Thursday, and fingers are pointing squarely at the rogue state of Iran.
Dramatic footage from the Gulf of Oman, an area vital to global shipping, showed the tanker Front Altair billowing smoke after an apparent naval attack.
Reuters reported that another vessel, the Kokuka Courageous, was also attacked, sparking fears of an escalating conflict that could impact the world.
But while the United States scrambles to confirm its suspicions that Iran is behind both strikes, history provides a hint about what could happen next.
Over 30 years ago, the U.S. Navy retaliated against Iran’s forces for a very similar provocation … and the level of devastation it delivered to that country’s navy should be a warning for today.
Operation Praying Mantis has been largely forgotten now, but it was a major turning point in the triangle of American, Iranian and Iraqi policies during the tail end of the Reagan presidency.
In 1988, Iranian sea mines badly damaged a U.S. vessel that was protecting area oil tankers.
America struck back, leaving half of Iran’s fleet in ruins and effectively crippling its naval capabilities.
“Watchstanders aboard USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), Northeast of Qatar, sighted three mines floating approximately one-half mile from the ship,” the U.S. Navy explained about the triggering incident.
“Twenty minutes after the first sighting, as Samuel B. Roberts was backing clear of the minefield, it struck a submerged mine,” the Navy continued.
“The blast injured 10 Sailors and tore a 21-foot hole in the hull, nearly ripping the warship in half. Quick and determined actions by the crew, who worked for seven hours to stabilize the ship, kept the vessel from sinking.”
American officials immediately began formulating a response.
They came up with two targets: Large oil platforms used by Iran to launch attacks against civilian merchant ships in the area.
Operation Praying Mantis began, but Iran decided to counter-attack the U.S. forces.
It would be a costly mistake.
The first Iranian vessel to be sunk was the frigate Sahand, which took Harpoon missile hits and laser-guided bomb strikes before plummeting to the bottom of the ocean.
Another Iranian frigate was disabled too, while enemy patrol boats and speed boats were also hit.
“By the end of the operation, U.S. air and surface units had sunk, or severely damaged, half of Iran’s operational fleet,” the U.S. Navy reported.
The U.S. suffered minimal casualties, though two U.S. Marines tragically died in a helicopter crash.
“This particular exercise, in my view, finished the Iranian Navy in the Arabian Gulf,” said Vice Adm. (Ret.) James B. Perkins III, the officer who commanded a Surface Action Group during the operation.
Could that same level of devastating response be awaiting Iran’s navy today if they continue to attack civilian vessels?
You’d better believe that the option is on the table.
The two latest tankers to be struck in the Gulf of Oman aren’t alone. An additional four tankers were also attacked last month, with Iran likely behind the action, according to CBS News.
International patience for Iran, even from other Middle Eastern countries, is wearing thin, making an international agreement on a tough response possible.
We’ll know much more soon, but if history is any guide, the odds of Iran walking away unscathed are growing ever more slim.
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