Iran made preparations to potentially block the strategic Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s missile strike on June 13, according to a Reuters report citing two US officials.
The officials revealed that Iran's military loaded naval mines onto vessels operating in the Gulf shortly after the attack. Although the mines were not deployed, their presence indicates Tehran may have seriously considered closing the strait — a move that could have dramatically worsened regional tensions and disrupted global trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most vital shipping routes, with nearly 20% of global oil and gas supplies passing through. Any disruption there could cause energy prices to surge worldwide.
The report added that it remains unclear whether the mines are still onboard the Iranian vessels. The officials did not specify how the US obtained the intelligence, though such information is usually gathered through satellite surveillance, human intelligence, or both.
While Washington acknowledges the possibility that Iran’s actions were a strategic bluff to pressure the US, the officials noted Tehran may also have been preparing for real action if leaders decided to escalate.