Admiral: Iran Has Suicide Boats

Mark Fox says Iran threats dangerous, but US Navy has 'very effective' options
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 13, 2012 1:30 AM CST
Updated Feb 13, 2012 8:20 AM CST
Admiral: US Poised to 'Confront' Iran
US Vice Admiral Mark Fox, commander of the Naval Forces Central Command, speaks during a press briefing at the US Navy base in Manama, Bahrain, yesterday.   (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Iran has significantly built up its naval arsenal, adding more fast attack boats and some ships that "have been outfitted with a large warhead that could be used as a suicide explosive device," US Vice Admiral Mark Fox told reporters yesterday, according to Reuters. Iran also now has 10 small submarines and an array of long-range rockets and ballistic missiles, he said, acknowledging that Iran was "capable of striking a blow" against the US.

"We're not bulletproof. There are people that can take a swipe at us," Fox said, according to the AP. But not to worry, Fox assured the press: The US Navy is much more powerful, and can handle any hostile Iranian action—including any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz. "We've developed very precise and lethal weapons that are very effective," he said. "What if it happened tonight? We are ready today." (More Iran stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X