Posted on 05/17/2020 10:18:43 PM PDT by RomanSoldier19
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Five Iranian tankers likely carrying at least $45.5 million worth of gasoline and similar products are now sailing to Venezuela, part of a wider deal between the two U.S.-sanctioned nations amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The tankers' voyage came after Venezuela's socialist leader Nicolás Maduro already turned to Iran for help in flying in chemicals needed at an aging refinery amid a gasoline shortage, a symptom of the wider economic and political chaos gripping Latin America's one-time largest oil producer.
For Iran, the tankers represent a way to bring money into its cash-starved Shiite theocracy and put its own pressure on the U.S., which under President Donald Trump has pursued maximalist campaigns against both nations.
But the strategy invites the chance of a renewed confrontation between the Islamic Republic and America both in the Persian Gulf, which saw a series of escalating incidents often involving the oil industry last year, and wider afield.
(Excerpt) Read more at usnews.com ...
Gee, it would be a real shame if something happened to those tankers.
Problem goes away.
What, the crap Bliss-Levitt one or the surface-launch-only pre-WW2 British one?
It would be quite ironic if some pirates took them over for random....
Maybe they’ll run into a cruise ship.
Ahoy, Mohammed, those are nice tankers that you have there. It would be a shame if anything happened to them, what with all the waterspouts, loose mines, djins, and UFOs in the region. Why not turn back while you still can?
For Iran, the tankers represent a way to bring money into its cash-starved Shiite theocracy
Venezuela has money? Who knew?
Captain to Bridge Observer: Relax... I’m not going to launch one unless he launches one.
Weapons Officer: Firing one!
Since 1945 the US has guaranteed free and equal access to the sea. According to Peter Zehan, all of the world’s blue water navy ships do not equal the firepower of one carrier battle group. If the US stops those boats we will be entering a new era. If anyone is willing to break precedence, it’s Trump.
My popcorn delivery from Amazon has been delayed due to increased demand.
Ain't socialism grand?
Give the Navy SEALs the job.
Technical question: I thought Iran had serious gasoline shortages due to lack of refining capacity, and had to import gasoline.
How is it they have gasoline to export .......and that to a country that has no money?
I know, evil dictators have to support one another or they all die.......
Where is the screen door in that submarine? /s
Or by some random pirates.
Disabling a tanker mid-ocean shouldnt be too difficult. Let em float aimlessly for a while.
——the tankers represent a way to bring money into its cash-starved Shiite theocracy——
That statement presumes Maduro has the hard currency to pay the bill.
I wonder what currency will pay for the transaction. Gold?
YES, Venezuela has shipped considerable quantities of gold to Iran in the past months. Largely to get their help restarting their dead in the water refinery system.
Its indeed a British one, still in use. You are very perceptive. The Brits should do it simply because they owe America for providing a platform for Steele to do his bogus report.
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