Many of the sites are protected, and any operation would have to suppress at least part of Iran's air defences, and all its missiles and naval power, to limit any retaliation.

Based on the standing out characters of navy data link in modern sea fight, its effect toward submarine missile attacking course, commanding manner and missile attacking pattern are indicated.

Officials said Wednesday a missile fired in the red Sea targeted the destroyer USS Mason, which was accompanied by the amphibious docking vessel USS San Antonio at the time.