The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), often associated with its peacetime missions like search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection, is a military service with a storied history of wartime contributions. In a potential military conflict with Iran, particularly in the volatile Persian Gulf region, the Coast Guard’s unique capabilities and expeditionary expertise could play a pivotal role.
Iran’s maritime forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGCN) and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, pose significant threats in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil transport. Iran’s tactics, such as fast attack craft swarms, mine-laying, and harassment of commercial vessels, demand a versatile response. The U.S. Coast Guard, with its blend of military and law enforcement authorities, is well-suited to counter these asymmetric threats while supporting broader naval operations. The USCG’s motto, Semper Paratus (Always Ready), reflects its readiness to shift from peacetime to wartime roles. Historically, the Coast Guard has supported every major U.S. conflict since 1790, from World War II’s amphibious landings to Operation Iraqi Freedom’s port security missions. In a conflict with Iran, the USCG could draw on this legacy to execute critical tasks.
Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) Iran’s reliance on maritime smuggling to evade sanctions and supply proxies like the Houthis or Hezbollah makes interdiction a priority. The USCG’s expertise in boarding operations, honed through decades of counter-drug missions, would be invaluable. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachments (LEDETs) could conduct high-risk boardings of suspect vessels, seizing weapons, explosives, or other illicit cargo. These teams, often deployed on Navy ships, bring specialized training in non-compliant boardings, minimizing escalation while achieving objectives.For example, in 2019, USCG cutters in the Persian Gulf supported joint patrols to deter Iranian aggression. In a conflict, LEDETs could operate from Navy destroyers or Coast Guard cutters to interdict IRGCN supply lines, disrupting Iran’s ability to sustain regional proxies.
The Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf host vital oil platforms, ports, and shipping lanes vulnerable to Iranian attacks. The USCG’s Port Security Units (PSUs), mobile expeditionary teams trained for harbor defense, could secure these assets. PSUs, equipped with small boats and heavy weapons, excel in coastal and port environments, where Navy blue-water assets may be less effective. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, USCG PSUs protected Iraqi oil terminals from insurgent attacks. In a conflict with Iran, PSUs could deploy to allied ports like Bahrain or Dubai, ensuring the safe flow of energy resources while countering sabotage or small-boat assaults by the IRGCN.
Iran’s history of harassing commercial shipping, including tanker seizures, underscores the need for escort missions. USCG cutters, such as the 154-foot Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters, are ideal for escorting merchant vessels through high-threat areas like the Strait of Hormuz. Their agility and ability to counter small combatants make them effective against IRGCN fast attack craft, which rely on speed and numbers.The USCG’s Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), based in Bahrain, already conducts such missions. In January 2016, when Navy riverine boats were seized by Iran, the USCG cutter Monomoy was nearby, highlighting its forward presence. In a conflict, PATFORSWA’s six cutters could scale up escort operations, protecting both commercial and military convoys.
Iran’s potential to deploy naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global trade. While the Navy leads mine-countermeasure operations, the USCG could support by securing perimeters around mine-sweeping zones and coordinating with allied forces. Additionally, Iran’s past attacks on oil tankers have caused environmental damage, such as the 2021 Gulf of Oman incidents. The USCG’s National Strike Force, trained for oil spill response, could mitigate ecological fallout, preserving regional stability and international support. Interoperability with the Navy and Allies The USCG’s ability to operate under Title 10 (military) and Title 14 (law enforcement) authorities allows seamless integration with the Navy and coalition partners. During a conflict, the president could transfer USCG assets to the Department of the Navy, as occurred in World War II and Vietnam. This flexibility enables cutters to augment Navy task forces, providing force protection or reconnaissance in littoral zones where larger ships face risks.The 2007 Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower, adopted by the USCG, Navy, and Marines, emphasizes preventing war through presence and partnerships. In a conflict, USCG cutters could train and operate alongside Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) navies, enhancing coalition interoperability against Iran’s asymmetric threats. The USCG’s expeditionary units are tailored for the Persian Gulf’s complex environment:
- PATFORSWA: Stationed in Bahrain, this command includes cutters, a Maritime Engagement Team for training allies, and shoreside support. Its experience countering IRGCN provocations positions it as a frontline asset.
- PSUs: These rapidly deployable units can establish security zones around ports or offshore platforms, critical for maintaining economic lifelines.
- LEDETs: Embedded with Navy ships, these teams excel in precision boardings, offering a low-profile way to disrupt Iranian smuggling.
- Aviation Assets: USCG helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft could provide surveillance, logistics, or search-and-rescue support, complementing Navy air operations.
Deploying the USCG in a conflict with Iran presents challenges. First, the Coast Guard’s fleet is stretched thin, with only about 43,000 active-duty personnel and aging cutters. Sustained operations would require additional funding and maintenance support. Second, escalation risks are high; USCG actions, even defensive, could provoke Iran, necessitating clear rules of engagement. Finally, balancing wartime roles with domestic responsibilities—like securing U.S. ports—would strain resources. To address these, Congress could prioritize funding for cutter modernization and expand PATFORSWA’s capacity. Joint exercises with the Navy, like those conducted in the Arabian Gulf, should simulate conflict scenarios to refine coordination. Training with GCC allies could also deter Iran by showcasing coalition strength.
In a military conflict with Iran, the U.S. Coast Guard would be far from a bystander. Its expertise in maritime interdiction, port security, vessel escorts, and environmental response makes it a force multiplier in the Persian Gulf’s complex battlespace. Units like PATFORSWA, PSUs, and LEDETs, backed by interoperable cutters and aviation assets, could counter Iran’s asymmetric threats while supporting Navy and allied operations. By leveraging its unique authorities and expeditionary mindset, the USCG would uphold its legacy as a versatile military service, ensuring maritime security and mission success in one of the world’s most critical regions. Semper Paratus would guide its charge.