Walter van HolstMar 10
Folks, if this is a headline on CNN https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/09/business/oil-iran-strait-navy-economy ("The grim choice facing the Trump administration: Economic or naval collapse?") we truly are through another looking glass. In my half century on this planet I have not seen headlines this gloomy. TL;DR FAFO.
The grim choice facing the Trump administration: Economic or naval collapse?

The Trump administration is currently trapped between the specter of a global economic recession and a naval catastrophe.

CNN
Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 10
@whvholst What about https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/02/iran-has-the-weapons-to-sink-a-u-s-navy-nuclear-aircraft-carrier-like-the-uss-gerald-r-ford/ (this article headline wants us to believe Iran has AIP-powered submarines, without actually saying so)
Iran Has the Weapons to Sink a U.S. Navy Nuclear Aircraft Carrier Like the USS Gerald R. Ford

As U.S. aircraft carriers mass near Iran, the biggest threat may be below the surface: Fateh-class submarines, tight waters, and a strike plan built on surprise.

19FortyFive
Show threadWalter van HolstMar 10
@nemobis They are sort of vague about it, but mention a DE-submarine class meant for littoral waters and somehow extrapolate that to a threat to carrier battle groups that in wartime never should be anywhere near a coast.
Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 13
@whvholst Big if true: «An Iranian vessel sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, and the U.S. fired at the vessel, according to two U.S. officials briefed on the matter who spoke to CBS News under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.» https://web.archive.org/web/20260313041445/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-fired-at-iranian-vessel-that-approached-aircraft-carrier-officials-say/
U.S. fired at Iranian vessel that approached aircraft carrier, officials say

An Iranian vessel sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, and the U.S. fired at the vessel, according to two U.S. officials.

CBS News
Show threadWalter van Holst
@nemobis Bigger than sinking the IRIS Dena?
Mar 13 at 2:19pmWeb
Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 13
@whvholst Dunno, did anyone doubt that USA submarines had the capability to sink such a ship without warning?
Show threadWalter van HolstMar 13
@nemobis Similar with "sailed too close to the USS Abraham Lincoln" which could mean "being in the same ocean"
Show threadNemo_bis 🌈Mar 13
@whvholst My understanding of "too close" is it implies it was too close to hit with the ship's guns, which would mean it had surpassed the last layer of defense. (I have no idea whether that's plausible. Maybe the helicopter was dispatched for other reasons.)
Show threadWalter van HolstMar 13
@nemobis I would not jump to that particular conclusion...