Comment on A fierce naval battle 35 years ago shows how destructive another US showdown with Iran could get

US Navy guided-missile frigate USS Hawes leads a reflagged tanker and two US warships in a convoy in the Persian Gulf in October 1987.US Navy/PH2 Elliot The US military is sending forces to the Persian Gulf in response to Iran's seizure of oil tankers. The deployments have been compared to a US operation in 1987-1988 to defend tankers from Iranian attacks. Today, however, Iran fields a much different military, and the situation in the Gulf has changed, experts say. Tensions are rising in the Persian Gulf, where the US is deploying additional air and naval forces to deter Iranian seizures of commercial tanker ships.The deployment has led to renewed fears of conflict between the US and Iran, drawing comparisons to another clash 35 years ago that was a decisive victory for the US and a devastating defeat for Iran.In late April, as part of its sanctions-enforcement effort, the US confiscated a tanker loaded with Iranian oil bound for China.