Second Gulf War

2000–2002 — The Naval Crisis Increasing encounters between U.S. and Iranian vessels. Iranian Revolutionary Guard boats repeatedly challenge American warships. Several near-collisions and warning shots. A major incident in the Strait of Hormuz becomes the first deadly confrontation. Washington begins permanently increasing its Gulf naval presence. 2003–2006 — First Gulf Escalation The Iraq War dramatically changes the strategic situation. Iran begins supporting Iraqi factions more openly. U.S. ships increasingly escort commercial shipping. Iran begins using mines, small boats and coastal missiles as asymmetric threats. Several merchant ships are damaged. The U.S. conducts limited strikes against Iranian naval infrastructure. 2007–2010 — The Second Gulf War This is where your scenario gets its name. A major naval confrontation causes both governments to declare that the other side has committed an act of war. The Persian Gulf becomes the primary theater. You could have: U.S. carrier groups operating in the Arabian Sea. Iranian naval forces attempting to disrupt shipping. Battles around the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states choosing whether to support Washington. International attempts to keep the Strait open. Oil prices exploding. Iraq becoming an enormous strategic complication. 2011–2018 — Frozen War Instead of a clean victory, the conflict becomes an intermittent war. There are: Naval incidents Drone encounters Missile attacks Cyberattacks Proxy conflicts Sanctions Diplomatic negotiations Temporary ceasefires This gives Davia lots of opportunities for unexpected events. 2019–Present — The New Gulf War The conflict starts heating up again.