World's Biggest Anti-Mine Naval Exercise Continues In The Persian Gulf

A US Naval vessel and helicopter in the Persian Gulf (file photo)

World's Biggest Anti-Mine Naval Exercise After Iranian Threats To Close Gulf -- The Telegraph

A fleet of 34 ships will on Monday begin the world's biggest anti-mine exercise in an international naval show of force after Iranian threats to close the Gulf.

The British-led exercise will see a coalition of 41 nations practise detecting and clearing mines to ensure they can keep open one of the world's most important shipping lanes.

The exercise follows Iranian warnings in recent years it might block the Strait of Hormuz if it were ever to come under attack from America or Israel for its nuclear programme, or as retaliation for international sanctions against the country.

Such a move would send the oil price soaring and deal a significant blow to the already weakened world economy.

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More News On Anti-Mine Naval Exercises In The Persian Gulf

Gulf navy drill not directed at Iran: US -- AFP
U.S. rejects Iranian concerns against anti-mine maneuvers -- Gant Daily
US-led drill in Persian Gulf not directed at Iran: US commander -- Press TV (Iran)
Sea Drills Continues In Persian Gulf -- Trade Arabia
41 Nations Launch U.S.-Led Exercises in the Persian Gulf -- Arutz Sheva
U.S. begins second phase of operations in the Persian Gulf -- Prensa Latina
US Navy and 40 Allied Nations Arrive in Bahrain for Anti-Mine Exercise -- USNavySeals.com

US Led Naval Exercises Begin In The Persian Gulf

An S-3B Viking, assigned to the "Scouts" of Sea Control Squadron Two Four (VS-24), is launched from the bow of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in the Persian Gulf (Reuters/Nathan Laird/U.S. Navy photo)

U.S., Allies To Stage Naval Exercise In Gulf Energy Shipping Hub -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The United States and its allies are preparing for naval exercises in the Gulf energy export hub that will include minesweeping and escorting commercial ships in a region where Iran is seen as a threat both to trade and security.

Forty-one countries are taking part in the two-week International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX-13) to practice minesweeping and protecting ports and energy installations in the Gulf.

Vice Admiral John Miller, Commander of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, said on Monday the annual exercise was an "opportunity to enhance international naval capability to preserve freedom of navigation in international waterways.

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More News On US Led Naval Exercises In The Persian Gulf

US-led naval exercises in Gulf begin amid Iranian maritime buildup -- Washington Post/AP
41 Nations Launch U.S.-Led Exercises in the Persian Gulf -- Arutz Sheva
Naval drill starts -- Gulf Daily News
US heads 41-nation war games in Gulf, Iran fears conflict in volatile region -- RT
Iran warns against 'provocation' in Gulf anti-mine drill -- Global Post/AFP
Iran warns US, allies against provocative actions in Persian Gulf drill -- Press TV (Iran)