WASHINGTON: U.S. officials have confirmed that Iran recently loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf in apparent preparation to threaten shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The move follows weeks of rising tensions after Israeli missile strikes on Iranian territory.
According to Western intelligence sources, Iran began moving naval mines onto military vessels shortly after Israel attacked Iranian targets on June 13. While the mines were not actually deployed in the strait, U.S. analysts say the maneuver is a clear warning of Iran’s willingness to disrupt one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints.
“Iran is sending a signal that it retains the option to close the Strait of Hormuz if tensions escalate further,” one U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity.
Roughly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any attempt to mine or close the waterway could trigger a major military confrontation and send global energy prices soaring.
Iran’s parliament on June 22 passed a symbolic measure calling for closure of the Strait in response to “Israeli aggression.” The bill, however, is non-binding. Actual closure would require approval by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, chaired by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Military analysts note Iran has long invested in asymmetric naval capabilities, including a stockpile of an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 naval mines and a fleet of small fast-attack boats designed to harass shipping and potentially lay mines covertly.
U.S. forces in the region have reportedly increased surveillance and naval patrols in response to the threat.
Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder declined to discuss specific intelligence but said: “We are committed to ensuring freedom of navigation in the region and will work with our partners to deter any destabilizing activity.”
Iranian officials have denied any intention to provoke a war but insist they will defend their territory and interests if attacked.
Regional diplomats have called for restraint, warning that even a limited clash in the Gulf could quickly spiral into a wider conflict.
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