US planning to boost sea and land defences in Gulf as Iran war fears grow

February 25, 2012 by legitgov

US planning to boost sea and land defences in Gulf as Iran war fears grow --Military planners sought emergency funding from Congress for defence --Central Command told Congress that it wanted new systems in place by autumn 25 Feb 2012 The Pentagon has begun to take tangible steps to prepare for a possible conflict with Iran by making formal plans to boost US sea and land defences in the Persian Gulf, it has been claimed. Military planners have asked for emergency funding from Congress to address a perceived shortfall in defence capabilities that could undermine the ability of US forces to respond to an Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Wall Street Journal quoted American officials as saying. Gen James Mattis, the head of the US Central Command, has privately informed Congress of his intentions to place mine detection and clearing equipment in and around the Strait and to boost surveillance capabilities in the Gulf. There are also plans to modify weapons systems on ships that are at present vulnerable to Iranian fast-attack boats, many of which carry anti-ship missiles.