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🇺🇸➖🇮🇱🇺🇸⚔️🇮🇷 American Think Tank: Iran Can Hit the Entire Region's Oil Infrastructure
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in the US, in an analytical report, warned that in the event of any attack on Iran, Tehran will have no red lines and will most likely target all the oil infrastructure of the Persian Gulf littoral countries.
What are the 4 scenarios for disruption of Persian Gulf oil supply?
Disruption of Iran's oil exports: If the US or Israel wants to disrupt Iran's exports by blockading Kharg Island or seizing oil tankers, the global oil price will jump at least $10 to $12. However, Iran's reaction will be unpredictable and dangerous for US allies.
Iran's disruption in the Strait of Hormuz: Iran can stop the passage of 18 million barrels of oil using drones, missiles, and naval mines. This action will cause shipping operators to withdraw and a sharp spike in oil prices.
Attack on Iran's oil facilities: This path will push oil prices above $100. Destroying Iran's infrastructure will cut supply for the long term and provoke a regrettable response from Iran.
Iran's attack on regional oil facilities (the most likely scenario): In this situation, Iran directly targets the oil fields and export terminals of the Persian Gulf littoral countries. Oil prices will jump above $130, and not only oil but also gas exports in the region will be completely halted.
Why is bypassing the Strait of Hormuz impossible?
According to the CSIS report, alternative routes are very limited:
Saudi Arabia: Less than half of its exports can be rerouted. UAE: Part of its exports is done through the port of Fujairah, but still, one-third of its exports would effectively be blockaded if Hormuz is closed. Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar: They have no alternative routes and their exports would drop to zero.
Turkey, China, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia support Pakistan’s statement that it reserves the right to eliminate any terrorist camps, bases, or networks involved in attacks against Pakistan from Afghan soil.
Pakistan may carry out deep strikes inside Afghanistan.
Iran believes that U.S. military strikes are inevitable and imminent and has been preparing for it since months.
— Khamenei has devised the plans to ensure that Islamic Republic survives not just US strikes, but assassination of key political and military leadership.
— Khamenei has named four layers of succession for all important political, religious and military roles in Iran.
— He has also directed everyone in the leadership role to name upto four layers of replacements in case they get assassinated in the US strikes.
— A tight & secret circle of Khamenei's confidants has been created to make decisions in case he is killed by US.
— Iran's President Pezeshkian has been sidelined and country is being run by Khamenei's confidant Larijani who is also head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Chinese satellites track the U.S. Al Udeid base in Qatar, showing fewer tankers, more and bigger transport planes, hinting at equipment evacuation, while Patriot batteries stay in place.
The New York Times reports that Iran's Supreme Leader has set up a detailed succession plan.
Four layers of backup have been named for every military and government role he controls, with a trusted inner circle ready to make decisions if he’s unreachable or targeted.
A military exercise involving ships from China, Russia, and Iran is planned to take place soon in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. - Wall Street Journal
The US is ramping up in the Middle East with 108 fuel tankers active across the region and heavy air transport nonstop.
B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers are likely being positioned for potential operations, while airlifters keep delivering air defense systems and munitions. Something major is coming. Stay alert.
According to The New York Times, Iran is deploying ballist*c missile launchers near the country's western border, towards Iraq, as well as along the southern coastline by the Persian Gulf — within the operational range of U.S. military bases and other targets in the region.
Moreover, it is becoming known that Iran is operating under the assumption that U.S. military strikes are inevitable and imminent, despite both sides continuing diplomatic contacts and negotiations on the nuclear agreement.
Sources from the Iranian government state that Iran has placed all armed forces on the highest combat alert and is preparing for strong resistance.
According to NYT, a military strike on Iran would not bring a quick victory and could lead to significant U.S. casualties. Iran has strong missile capabilities and a wide network of regional proxies.
No “cheap” or clean military option exists, and Gulf allies fear retaliation on their territory if conflict erupts.
Israel To Offer Golden Horizon ALBM For Su-30MKI In A First For India
> Exclusive system not offered to any other country > 800 km strike range > Air-launched from Su-30MKI > Launch from outside enemy BVR and SAM engagement zones > Major boost to long-range precision strike capability
👉 This is a significant edge in stand-off warfare for the IAF.