The Iranian military loaded naval mines onto ships in the Persian Gulf last month, fueling concerns in Washington that Tehran might try to block the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli strikes, Reuters reported on Monday, citing two US officials.
According to these sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the operation took place after the first Israeli rocket attack on Iran on June 13. Although the mines were not deployed, their loading signaled, according to the officials, Iran's serious stance toward closing this strategic sea lane, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas exports pass.
The report states that US intelligence services detected these movements, but were unable to confirm whether the mines were subsequently removed. Tehran has often threatened to close the strait but has never carried out its threats. Officials do not rule out that this move was a deterrent or a simple precautionary measure rather than a concrete plan.
After the US strikes on June 22 targeting three Iranian nuclear sites, the Iranian Parliament approved a non-binding resolution calling for the closure of the strait, a decision that would require the approval of the Supreme National Security Council, according to Iranian state media. Tehran has made such threats several times in the past but has never carried them out.
Officials interviewed by Reuters believe that the loading of mines could be a strategic demonstration aimed at putting pressure on Washington, or simply a precautionary measure in case the Iranian authorities give the green light.
Iran has a large stockpile of naval mines and fast boats capable of deploying them quickly, according to the US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), also cited by Reuters.
The US Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, is responsible for maritime security in the region. Its mine countermeasure vessels had been temporarily relocated in anticipation of possible retaliation following the US strikes.
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