Through Iran’s eyes

Re “Gulf provocation reported,” Jan. 8

The incident in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates how easily conflict can flare in this region. While aggressive action by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard cannot be justified, the buildup and activity of U.S., British and French forces on Iran’s land and sea borders will inevitably lead to such flash points, any one of which could trigger a wider military conflagration. Though direct comparisons are hard to make, I wonder how the U.S. Navy would react if Iran had stationed three aircraft carrier groups off the Maine coast, was building military bases in Canada and was conducting routine patrols in the Gulf of Mexico.

Stefan Simanowitz

Chairman, Westminster

Committee on Iran

London