The U.S. Navy has confirmed that Iran tried to seize two oil tankers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz Wednesday, firing shots at one of them. In both cases, however the Iranian vessels backed off after the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet responded. Both commercial ships continued their voyages.
Kirk Lippold, who commanded the USS Cole when it was attacked by terrorists in 2000, says Iran’s actions represent a “concerted effort” to challenge U.S. interests around the world.
“And it is incumbent upon the Biden administration,” Lippold says, “to act swiftly and firmly, using force if required, to deter our enemies."
As far as his beloved Navy, the former commander says he was proud of its actions to protect the commercial vessels and to confront Iran.
“That's why our Navy exists,” he says. “It is to safeguard the sea lanes of communication around the world, to allow the economies of the world to function, especially those countries who treasure freedom.”
