I would think that US airpower could pound Iran into smithereens, at least their vital installations. I'm sure the Iranians know that, too. Yet, they sound pretty brave. Thinking about that I wonder how safe US carrier groups might be.

The Chinese have some impressive anti-ship missiles. And, I too, have read and seen examples of the Phalanx and various other protective systems. I'm aware that the real-life performance of those systems ain't always what's advertised. (Google - Patriot missile First Gulf War) I'm not convinced that those can't be overwhelmed, especially in some place like the Persian Gulf, which looks to be rather narrow quarters.

Here are three Chinese and one Russian anti-ship missiles which seem to have some formidable characteristics. The guidance systems can occasionally be modified, and a Mach 2 missile with a variety of systems might be formidable.

HY-2,

HY-4, and

SSN-X-26.

IF, and that's a big IF the Iranians have those in any numbers it could be that the Persian Gulf isn't a reasonable place for such rich targets as a US carrier. I can imagine that the badguys lose sleep wondering how to get at one.

Now I seriously doubt the Iranians have those things, but if they do it could be one explanation for the current goin's on.

Arf