Iran Preparing Suicide Bomb Boats, Claims U.S. Navy

Iran is building up a fleet of ‘suicide bomb boats,’ according to U.S. Navy intelligence.

As well as beefing up its navy, the Middle East nation is reportedly preparing craft that can be used in suicide attacks. However, the commander of U.S. naval forces says Iran can be prevented from blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital route that is used to transport one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

In recent weeks, Iran has threatened to block the Strait and disrupt shipping in the Gulf, and even launch attacks on U.S. forces in the region should sanctions shut down its oil trade. Iran’s renewed focus on bulking up its navy would suggest it’s preparing for a possible confrontation. U.S. Vice Admiral Mark Fox told Reuters:

“They have increased the number of submarines … they increased the number of fast attack craft. Some of the small boats have been outfitted with a large warhead that could be used as a suicide explosive device. The Iranians have a large mine inventory. We have watched with interest their development of long range rockets and short, medium and long range ballistic missiles and of course … the development of their nuclear program.”

Smaller enemy craft have caused problems for the U.S. Navy in the past. In 2000, al-Qaeda suicide bombers attacked the destroyer U.S.S. Cole and killed 17 sailors on board. While the U.S. Navy is undoubtedly more powerful and more well-equipped than its Iranian equivalent, the prospect of facing small, fast vessels remains a concern to the U.S. However, Fox insists the navy is prepared for an attack at any time:

“We are very vigilant, we have built a wide range of options to give the president and we are ready… What if it happened tonight? We are ready today.”

The European Union enforced an embargo on Iranian oil last month. That begins on July 1, by which time Iran’s response may well be easier to predict.