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given the fact that it's missiles can hit anywhere Iran from UK territorial waters with ease, the Iranians wouldn't be any more intimidated than they already are.


I know my idea is a dead horse, but I'll defend the corpse just because...

There are practical reasons that you want the SLBM launched near the target state.

1) No missile over flights over nations you have no quarrel with.
2) Leaves no doubt which state you are after
3) Shorter flight times for time sensitive targets.

The same tactic worked with the Pershing II missiles right at the Warsaw Pact's boarder. 10mins or less to Moscow. Rather then the 30 or so you have with a launch of an ICBM from the continental US.

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I actually would like to know what show of force the UK has in the region, I know the US has 2 carrier groups.


Probably nothing that would make a significant impact, the fact that you ask about the US Navy is telling. I doubt the UK could make a major strike without America.

The Iranians look like they know how to play the game of brinksmanship, and a small and indecisive raid by the UK alone would only escalate the situation rather than resolve it.