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Iran’s preparations to mine the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns
Recent U.S. intelligence reveals that the Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month. This action has heightened worries in Washington that Iran might be preparing to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli missile attacks on targets within Iran. The mine deployment has not yet occurred in the strait, but the move indicates Tehran’s serious consideration of closing one of the world’s most vital maritime passages.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route, handling roughly 20% of global oil and gas shipments, and any blockade would disrupt international trade and cause a sharp increase in energy prices worldwide. Although global oil prices have dropped by over 10% since the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, partly due to relief over continued oil flow, the situation remains tense.
Following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites on June 22, Iran’s parliament supported a non-binding measure to block the strait. However, the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Tehran has threatened to close the strait in the past but never executed such actions.
The timing of the mine loading during the Israel-Iran air conflict remains uncertain, as does whether the mines have since been removed. U.S. officials have not ruled out the possibility that the mine deployment was a tactic to signal seriousness without actual intent to close the waterway. Intelligence gathering likely involved satellite surveillance and covert sources.
A White House official credited recent U.S. military operations and diplomatic pressure for keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and weakening Iran. Responses from the Pentagon and Iranian representatives at the United Nations were not available.
