On the face of it, one carrier battle group doesn't seem enough to do the job.  I think Oil CEO's right and we're just flexing some muscle in the neighborhood.  

On the other hand, isn't there always a carrier in the SOH anyway?  Two aircraft carriers could actually do something.  Add to that an unknown number of cruise-missile carrying submarines in the area, an unknown number of ground-based cruise missiles at our bases in Iraq and the rest of the area, and a day's worth of lead time to launch stealth fighters and bombers from around the world, and we could always be surprised.

There's also the possibility of an Israeli strike.  If we expected the Israelis to hit Iran, it might be prudent on our part to send an additional carrier battle group to the Strait to deal with any counterattacks from the Iranians.  And imagine if the Iranians were to attack us (this battle group) before the election.

Finally, if we were to do anything, I wouldn't expect it before election day.  Any shots fired would send oil and gas prices skyrocketing on or by election day.  Not a good plan for the Republicans, unless the Iranians fire the first shots.