Iran Ready to Mine the Strait of Hormuz

Iran was prepared to mine the Strait of Hormuz during the 12-day war with Israel, as reported by Reuters. Iranian military forces have loaded naval mines onto ships in the Persian Gulf. This operation has heightened concerns in Washington that Tehran is seriously considering blocking one of the world's busiest shipping routes, which would escalate the conflict and create significant difficulties for global trade.

The mines have not been placed in the strait, but it remains unclear whether they have been offloaded from the ships. The U.S. government does not rule out the possibility that Iran's actions were a strategic ploy aimed at Washington, and that Tehran may not actually intend to obstruct passage.