US prepares to deal with Iran attacks in Strait

WSJ/Fox News:

The Pentagon is beefing up U.S. sea- and land-based defenses in the Persian Gulf to counter any attempt by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz. 

The U.S. military has notified Congress of plans to preposition new mine-detection and clearing equipment and expand surveillance capabilities in and around the strait, according to defense officials briefed on the requests, including one submitted earlier this month. 

The military also wants to quickly modify weapons systems on ships so they could be used against Iranian fast-attack boats, as well as shore-launched cruise missiles, the defense officials said. 

The readiness push is spearheaded by the military's Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Gulf region, these officials said. It shows the extent to which war planners are taking tangible steps to prepare for a possible conflict with Iran, even as top White House and defense leaders try to tamp down talk of war and emphasize other options. 

The changes put a spotlight on what officials have singled out as potential U.S. shortcomings in the event of conflict with Iran. The head of Central Command, Marine Gen. James Mattis, asked for the equipment upgrades after reviews by war planners last spring and fall exposed "gaps" in U.S. defense capabilities and military preparedness should Tehran close the Strait of Hormuz, officials said.

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Gen. Mattis is one of the smartest guys in the chain of command and planners are wise to listen to his concerns.  It sounds like they are going to put some drones in the area to keep an eye on Iran's forces and be in a position to cut off potential attacks.  Earlier strategy sessions have raised concerns about Iran's fast attack boats.  I suspect that any such boat within range of the Navy will get blown out of the water if Iran goes into war time mode.  I would think that we would also want forces that could hit Iran's missile launchers too.