Background
Irans weakness and turmoil post global pandemic created unusual circumstances. The infection had left 10’s of thousands dead and 100’s of thousands incapacitated or infected, further spreading the chaos. Into this stepped the Soviet Leadership which decided that in order to ensure world order and protect its ‘partner’ that it would step forward in its role as a benevolent Superpower to protect its critical trading partners. Within days the take over is complete, humanitarian aid is apparently flowing into Iran via armed convoy. Soviet paratroopers patrol the ports and major airports, while awaiting reinforcement from the North.
Four days later the Straits are closed. Purely for safety reasons mind you.
Oil prices rocket to $117 a barrel.
Gold spikes, and the US stock market drops 11% in a single session. Panic ensues, this compounded with a viral spreading of a highly contagious flu that seems to have its genesis in odd places, drives Europeans and Americans to all sorts of conspiracy theories.
The Secretary of Defence after speaking with potential coalition partners can find none. Any response will be up to the USA.
Limited forces are in the region. But the CV Battle Group TF17 is on station. Ready Reaction forces spool up. The US president demands the reopening of the Straits or there will be consequences.
Global Press denounces tough talk and the Soviets express shock at such belligerence. Left wing elements suggest conciliation, while demanding bail out packages and martial law in the streets.
The US President has other ideas.
Tel Aviv & Persian Gulf 0 HR
” Scramble all packages, clear the air” The message is sent. US pilots secretly stationed in Israel, launch a co-ordinated raid with TF 17.
“Blue Leader to Blue 2 and 3, tangoes scrambling targeting confirms flights of SU 27 and Mig 29′ Fulcrum. Flight tags show Soviet registry. Weapons free, engage, engage, engage.”
Superior training, avionics and missile technology allow the first full battle test of the US military-Industrial complex versus the Soviet command economy. F-15 & F-16 strike jets paint the sky and it is over even faster than analysts best estimates. In under 24 hours Soviet air in Iran is neutered.
“We can have 22nd MEU and a company of Abrams along with Rangers on the ground in 24 hours Mr President.”
Do it. Came the simple reply.
22nd MEU lands near the port of Bandar Abbas, and quickly overwhelms the forces there with nominal losses. Reports from the Soviet press appear to show indiscriminate bombing runs by A-10 aircraft with US marking and naval to shore bombardments that cause significant civilian casualties. The Press brief denies any such actions.
Rangers do indeed lead the way, and quickly close off access to the port and also prepare to storm the airfield near by, so that airlift of an entire Airborne division can begin.
Their assault is supported by 4/325 Bn from 82nd Airborne
Vicious fighting in and around Government House ensues. As soviet T-62 tanks go toe to toe with rangers supported by tank busting A-10s. The House is secured by US forces.
Diplomatic ties to Russia are cut and the US prepares for a longer stay. But firs they must secure missile sites that threaten the straits.
Oil drops $20 a barrel in anticipation of a short war…..
Next Turn 2