Pre-revolution Iran bought large quantities of modern weapons from the West, including orders for surface warships. But it seems they had no submarines. I do not know whether Iran was not interested in submarines or was prevented from buying them. It seems to me the most likely submarine they could acquire in the 1970s was the best selling West German Type 209.
So suppose Iran received 5-6 209 boats before the revolution. How would these subs perform in the war with Iraq? How would they be used? How would the US respond? Could they deter Iraq from starting the Tanker War in the first place?
So suppose Iran received 5-6 209 boats before the revolution. How would these subs perform in the war with Iraq? How would they be used? How would the US respond? Could they deter Iraq from starting the Tanker War in the first place?