Iran Loads Mines on Vessels, Raising Strait of Hormuz Blockade Fears

In June, Iran loaded mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf, raising concerns about a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This action came after Israel's missile strike on Iran, although the mines have not yet been deployed, it indicates that Iran may be considering closing this crucial global waterway. Officials believe that Iran's move could be a pressure tactic or a show of force to demonstrate its resolve to blockade the strait, but it may not necessarily be carried out.

Iran's loading of mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf has heightened concerns about a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, officials have not ruled out the possibility that the loading of the mines could be a ruse. The preparations, which were previously unreported, were discovered by U.S. intelligence agencies and occurred after Israel launched its first missile strike on Iran on June 13.

Although these mines have not yet been deployed in the strait, this action suggests that Iran may genuinely be considering closing one of the world's busiest waterways. The Strait of Hormuz carries about a fifth of the world's oil and natural gas transportation, and any blockade would significantly disrupt global trade and drive up energy prices.

According to reports, two officials stated that the U.S. government has not ruled out the possibility that Iran's loading of mines could be a form of saber-rattling. Iran may be using the preparation of mines to convince Washington of its seriousness in blocking the strait, but it may not actually intend to do so. Officials noted that the Iranian military may simply be preparing for a command from its leadership. It is currently unclear when the mines were exactly loaded and whether they have been unloaded.

The Strait of Hormuz is located between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea to the south. The narrowest point of the strait is 21 miles wide, with the shipping lane in either direction only 2 miles wide. OPEC member countries Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq primarily export oil to Asia through this strait. As one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, Qatar transports almost all of its LNG through this strait. Iran itself exports most of its oil through this channel, which theoretically limits Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz. However, reports indicate that Iran has invested significant resources to ensure it can implement a blockade if necessary.