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Sure looks like they where caught with their pants down on this one.
The reality however is we will not be in the position to do much if anything about it. I can't see us going to war status over these issues, regardless of how badly many of us would like to see Iran get a real bloody nose or worse.
But surely some covert actions could be taken in the way of blowing up some of their facilities to show them they will not get away with this stuff without any retributions.
But even that is petty in some respects. We know Ahmadinejah plays both sides of the cards, on one hand he does whatever he pleases that he feels he can get away with, and on the other hand always holds the 12^th Iman's return as an end goal. And obviously we have the major key Mullahs allowing him to continue to consolidate his power, as long as he plays their puppet on a string.
Does the US really want to vastly disturbed the worlds oil markets by direct invasion (war or un-declared pre-emptive naval air strikes), or does this administration and the one that will follow simply want to hope continued pressures on the Iranian government will lead to regime change.
We certainly are alone for the most part on this issue. No one else has the guts to side with us other then play their petty toothless for the most part sanctions, that have little effect directly on the regime. After all. The Mullahs may lose billions, but they sure as hell are not going to lose their limos and racks of lamb any time in the future. They will continue to live in luxury for the most part if desired to do so. The little nut will continue to play the big man. Russia and China will not side with us on anything of value.
The Europeans don't have the guts to side with us in a meaningful way. So I don't see anything of significance coming out of this whole affair.
We can spend millions per week to keep our fleet in the region to protect oil/gas shipping but that is about it.
And the Iranians have no reason to disturb the shipping lanes. After all it is their life blood to sell their oil.
So nothing will improve regarding Iran IMHO.