Amid Iran's missile escalation announced on the mainstream media today we are wondering what would a closure of the Strait of Hormuz looks like. The Middle East Media Research Institute's blog has caught a
release by an Iranian website Mashreq News, which spells out the step by
step details of just how such a closure would be enacted.
From MEMRI:
In response to threats by Western countries to impose oil
sanctions on Iran, the Iranian website Mashreq News, which is close to
Iranian military circles, posted an article on December 15, 2011
outlining military measures that could be taken by Tehran to close the
Strait of Hormuz should the regime choose to do so.
The article enumerated the forces and weapons that Iran could
employ in such a military operation, including fast attack craft
carrying anti-ship missiles; submarines; battleships; cruise and
ballistic missiles; bombers carrying laser-, radar- and
optically-guided missiles; helicopters; armed drones; hovercraft; and
artillery.
It stated that despite Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's
statements that Tehran would not initiate a military confrontation but
would retaliate harshly if attacked, "there is no guarantee that
[Tehran] will not launch a preemptory strike on the civilian level, for
instance through cyber-warfare or by means of economic pressure,
including by closing the Strait of Hormuz and cutting off [this] energy
lifeline for an indefinite period of time." It added, "Should
additional sanctions be imposed on Iran, especially in the domain of oil
export, Iran might keep [its] oil from leaving its territorial
waters."
In a further threat, the article stated that Iran would in the
future be able to attack the 480-km pipeline with a capacity of 2.5
million barrels/day
that the UAE is planning to build in order to bypass the Strait of
Hormuz in order to neutralize Iran's ability to disrupt the world's oil
supply: "As for the plan... to construct a [pipeline] from the UAE
that will be an alternative in times of emergency in case the Hormuz
Strait is closed, we should note... that the entire territory of the
UAE is within range of Iran's missiles, [so Iran] will easily be able
to undermine security at the opening of this [pipeline] using weapons
to be discussed this report."
In accordance with Iranian doctrine, the article pointed out that
these weapons would actually not be necessary because there would be
suicide operations, and added that "the faith of the Iranian youth, and
their eagerness to sacrifice their lives, will sap the enemies'
courage."
Despite statements by Iranian government spokesmen, including Oil
Minister Rostam Qasemi and Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin
Mehmanparast, that the closing of the strait is not currently on Iran's
agenda,
Majlis National Security Committee member Pervez Sarouri said that the
Iran would be conducting 10 days of naval maneuvers, called "Velayat
90," beginning December 24, 2011, to drill closing it.
Satellite view of the Strait of Hormuz connecting the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman
The following are the main points of the Mashreq News article on closing the Strait of Hormuz.
Fast Attack Craft
The article stated that since it first introduced fast attack craft
for use in the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), the Iranian navy has
immeasurably improved the craft's "ability to face advanced enemy
combat vessels, much less cargo ships. These boats are equipped with
sea radar systems; advanced electronic communication systems;
sea-to-sea cruise missiles, both short-range – 25 km – and medium
range; medium- and large-caliber [sic] torpedoes; and naval mines,
along with traditional means of warfare – including semi-heavy machine
guns, missile launchers, and shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles.
These sea craft are capable of blocking the Strait [of Hormuz] for a
brief or an extended period, and of facing enemy warships trying to
open the route.
"In addition to their high speed and abovementioned equipment, these
sea craft are highly maneuverable. Their ability to operate at night,
aided by the requisite accessories, as well as in stormy weather, has
been demonstrated repeatedly in recent years, in maneuvers both minor
and major. Their successful record includes stopping submarines from
countries beyond the [Gulf] region that aimed to cross the Strait of
Hormuz, and supporting [Iranian] submarines threatened by enemy
warships in the Indian Ocean... Iran has various types of naval mines,
both stationary and remote controlled. This weapon [i.e. the mines]
may, if necessary, be operated by Iranian boats and submarines [located
at] various points in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters."
Submarines
The article continued: "The Iranian navy's acquisition of
submarines... some 20 in number... has rendered it more powerful than
the navies of the [other] countries in the region. Iran's submarine
craft can use torpedoes, mines, and missiles, and can remain submerged
for weeks in order to accomplish a mission. Apart from the Russian Kilo
class submarines, the Nahang, Ghadir, and Fateh class submarines have
been pre-fitted for the waters around Iran, especially the Persian
Gulf... These submarines can remain stationary in the water and can
evade various enemy radar and sonar systems...
"The Kilo class submarines can carry 24 mines or 18 large torpedoes,
while the Fateh class submarines can carry 12 torpedoes and/or eight
mines. In addition, there have been reports in the international media
stating that Iran has equipped the Kilo class [submarines in its fleet]
with Hoot torpedoes...
"The Ghadir class submarines can also successfully participate in the
operation [to close the strait]... [These] are small submarines manned
by one or several people. Known as 'wet submarines,' they are used for
commando operations, laying mines, and firing torpedoes... and can
operate in narrow and shallow areas."
Warships
The article stated that "Iran has various classes of missile ships,
warships, and destroyers. These marine craft are capable of launching
four 'Nour' anti-ship missiles, which have a range of 120-170 km,
[even] over 200 km. Additionally, these warships' 114mm and 76mm
guns... can threaten various [types of] ships. [Iran's] warships can
[also] threaten submarines while simultaneously operating together with
the rest of the [Iranian naval] force in closing the Strait of
Hormuz."
Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles
It continued: "We divide Iran's missile force into two groups: cruise
missiles and ballistic missiles. They possess a wide variety of ranges
and destructive capabilities. Coastal launchers for Kowsar short-range
missiles and for Nour and Ghadir missiles [with a range of some 200
km] have so far been displayed, and the Naser-1 medium-range missiles
are launched from Qare'a triple-barrel missile launchers. These
launchers are independent, meaning that if they are deployed near the
coast, they could detect and identify naval targets and attack them
without the need for supporting systems from [Iranian] air and naval
units.
"These
systems can cover most of the Strait of Hormuz if deployed and
camouflaged 70 to 150 km deep into Iranian territory, or even in the
Kerman province [in southeastern Iran]. The Iranian armed forces
possess these systems in abundance, and they are ready for deployment."
Ballistic Missiles
The article noted: "...Thus far, three types of anti-ship ballistic
missiles have been displayed in Iran: Khaleej-e Fars, Tondar, and
Sejil. Khaleej-e Fars missiles, with a 300-km range and a 650-kg
warhead, are designed to destroy enemy warships. The missile can be
prepared for launch in a few minutes due to its use of solid fuel and
advanced guidance systems. It strikes the enemy ships from above,
traveling at Mach 3, reaching [the target] in a short time and at an
acute angle.
"The triple-barrel launcher for these missiles provides sufficient
firepower from the first launch; it increases the operational effect of
the missile, while decreasing the enemy's ability to retaliate. Based
on photos of the missile, it uses an electronic guidance system, which
ensures its effectiveness even against the enemy's electronic warfare.
The missile's speed, angle of approach, and impact from above are
effective points in its modus operandi. We can estimate that the
enemy's chances of intercepting it are miniscule.
"The Tondar missile, whose range is estimated by experts to be
150-250 kilometers, operates alongside the Khaleej-e Fars missiles as a
short range ballistic missile... and their combined operation can
significantly raise the chances of hitting the target... The [Tondar]
missile can cover the Straits of Hormuz from deep inside Iranian
territory. The Khaleej-e Fars missile can cover the Western
Sistan-Baluchestan area, the Kerman province area, eastern and southern
Fars province, and all of the Straits of Hormuz."
"The most terrifying of all Iranian missiles is the Sejil long range
missile. It has commonly been considered merely a surface-to-surface
missile, but the armed forces recently announced that it can also be
used to destroy naval targets. Although not much is known about the
missile's guidance and targeting systems, the missile has shown great
accuracy in hitting a predetermined target. This missile, with a range
of 2,000 km, can reach speeds of Mach 8 to Mach 12 (2,700-4,100 meters
per second)... Its warhead weighs at least 500 kilograms, helping it to
destroy the target. This missile can be used to cover regions beyond
the Strait of Hormuz even if deployed on the northern Iranian coast, or
at the most distant point in northwest Iran. It is a two-stage rocket
powered by solid fuel, and reaches great speed at the end of the first
stage [of launch]. It is difficult for the enemy to detect and track it
during the first stage, because it uses several methods to reduce its
radar signature... Thanks to its high velocity, the chance of it being
hit by enemy defense [systems] is even smaller than the chance that
they will hit a Khaleej-e Fars missile.
"Such missiles would be launched from deep inside Iranian territory
because scattering launchers over a larger area will make it difficult
for the enemy to detect them, will limit the means the enemy will be
able to use to destroy them, and will also allow the launchers to be
relocated and re-camouflaged.
"Although the enemy is much more likely to detect lower-velocity
missiles... the combination of the use of these weapons in areas both
closer and farther away from the shore and the increased number of
targets... can maintain their effectiveness."
Bomber Jets
The article stated: "Iranian fighter jets can carry various types of
air-to-surface missiles that can operate against naval targets,
including air-to-surface missiles with optical, laser, and radar
guidance; Nour and Ghadir missiles adapted for aerial use; C-801K and
C-802 missiles; as well as Kowsar and Naser missiles. [Iranian] Air
Force jets can carry up to five such missiles.
"Additional missiles for naval targets include: limited range
TV-guided Maverick missiles; Qassad-1 and Qassad-2 optically guided
bombs with a range of 30-50 kilometers (Qassad-3 bombs, with a range
over 100 kilometers, will become operational soon); and Russian-made
KH-25 and KH-29 missiles with laser and optical guidance, which can be
mounted on Su-24, Su-25, and MiG-29 jets. Their range is 10km-30km, and
they have medium destructive capabilities.
"In addition, KH-58 long-range anti-radar missiles, which can be
mounted on Su-24 jets for attacks on enemy warships, will play an
important role in closing the Strait of Hormuz.
"The array of missiles and bombs with varying ranges will assist Iran
in operating remotely against enemy frigates and warships."
Helicopters
"The Shahed 285 helicopter can carry Kowsar anti-ship cruise
missiles, and Mi-171 helicopters can launch Nour long range missiles,
and apparently Ghadir missiles as well. These helicopters, along with
Cobra attack helicopters, can threaten merchant vessels and enemy
warships."
Flying Boats
"Only one model of flying boat has thus far become operational in
Iran. In fact, it is a new type of plane that can land on the water,
and can be equipped with anti-ship missiles. This boat can take off
from the water, from various points on Iran's coast, and can operate
against enemy warships together with aerial defense."
Drones
"The Iranian army drones are used for anti-ship missions. The Karar
drone can carry four Kowsar missiles. Due to its speed, the drone can
increase the potential energy of the missiles and extend their range.
The drone has a range of some 1,000 km; it is launched by a rocket, and
when it reaches the correct range, it launches the missiles. Karar
drones can carry dozens of missiles to the enemy warships.
"The Karar drone is made from materials that allow it to evade radar
detection and get close to enemy vessels. Nevertheless, the drone can
also use missiles like Naser-1, for large areas."
Artillery and Surface-to-Sea Rocket Systems
The article also claimed that Iranian security officials several
times pointed out that guided bombs are actually being used against
moving naval targets. It said that the range of Iranian artillery
shells is over 40 km, and that they can be used to harm or destroy
enemy ships. It added that during maneuvers, Iran had successfully
utilized the Fajr-3 and Fajr-5 rocket launchers against naval targets.
