According to Reuters on July 1, two U.S. officials reported that last month, the Iranian military loaded mines onto ships in the Persian Gulf, a move that heightened Washington’s concerns about Tehran preparing to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s initial missile strikes against various parts of Iran.
The two anonymous U.S. officials, discussing sensitive intelligence matters and requesting anonymity, stated that the U.S. intelligence community had discovered Iran’s preparations but had not disclosed them publicly until after Israel launched its first series of missile attacks on Iran on June 13. The mines loaded onto the ships have not yet been deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, but the action of loading the mines indicates that Tehran might be seriously contemplating closing one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Should Iran indeed do so, the already deteriorating conflict would escalate further, severely hindering global trade.
It is reported that approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas transportation routes pass through the Strait of Hormuz. If this crucial passageway were to be blocked, it could lead to a surge in global energy prices.
Reuters was unable to determine when exactly Iran loaded these mines onto its ships during the period of mutual airstrikes between the two countries. If these mines are deployed within the Strait of Hormuz, they would effectively prevent vessels from passing through this vital passageway.
It remains unclear whether these mines have been removed from the ships.
U.S. sources did not reveal how the U.S. government determined that Iran’s ships were loaded with mines, but such intelligence is typically gathered through satellite imagery, secret operations personnel, or a combination of both.
The officials mentioned that the U.S. government does not rule out the possibility that loading the mines was a ruse. They suggested that Iran’s preparation of these mines might be intended to convince Washington that Tehran is seriously preparing to close the Strait of Hormuz, despite not intending to do so.
The report also mentioned that the Iranian military might simply be making necessary preparations, which could be immediately deployed upon orders from their leaders. (Translated by Hu Xue)
