Apart from closing the Straits of Hormuz, and the oil distribution network from the Gulf to the rest of the world, how about attacking the Emirate States ?? I suspect that Iran sees them as lesser adherents to Islam than they are. Saudi Arabia for allowing non Muslims to be stationed in the country which has two of the three holiest sites in the Islamic religion.
Qatar, which has a very high percentage of the world's natural gas supplies, and of course with tankers their old enemy, Israel.
Just having the ability to close the Gulf has the effect of stopping the world. Oil and gas in the quantities required can only be moved by tanker. Vulnerable, you bet.
Do not forget it was rumoured that the North Vietnamese had aircrew from overseas and who is to say the ex Russian aircrew would not work for the Iranian's for a serious amount of money. You only have to look at Flight International adverts for the sand pit on contract for fast jet aircrew for training units, does not take much to move in to a combat role.
The UAE air-force over recent years has upgraded with a massive spending spree at the arms bazzar's round the world.
With increase from the USA of defence aid to Egypt Israel and Saudi Arabia, this is ratcheting up the potential for conflict. Will Iran feel themselves threatened ??
You do not need to use aircraft to close the Gulf, just by using land based anti shipping missiles which Iran has, but aircraft give flexabilty
Mark D Only 2 countries with TLAMs, ergo GW III, Russians are not going to attack their customers.