US plans to bolster defenses in Persian Gulf

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US plans to bolster defenses in Persian Gulf

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The moves highlight efforts to boost US military capabilities amid heightened tension with Iran.

25 February,2012 09:07 am

The Pentagon has notified US lawmakers of plans to bolster US defenses in the Persian Gulf to ready a response to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a report said Friday.New mine-detection and clearing equipment as well as improved surveillance capabilities are part of the planned build-up, said the Wall Street Journal, citing defense officials briefed on the requests.The Pentagon also wants to modify ship weapons systems to best deal with Iranian attack boats in the Strait, said the report.The moves highlight efforts to boost US military capabilities amid heightened tension with Iran and rising speculation of a strike from Israel over Irans nuclear program.The United States, France, Britain and Germany accuse Iran of seeking to build a nuclear bomb, but Tehran says its nuclear drive is peaceful.In January the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln passed through the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran threatened to close the strategic shipping route.Irans military and political leaders had earlier warned they could close the strait -- a key transit route for global oil supplies -- if increased Western sanctions over Tehrans suspect nuclear program halt Iranian oil exports.