Iran prepares to block Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks

Iran, responding to escalating tensions with Israel, took significant military actions that raised concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz. In June 2025, following a series of Israeli missile strikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities, Iranian forces were reported to have loaded naval mines onto ships stationed in the Persian Gulf. This development came as part of a wider Iranian strategy to demonstrate its military capabilities and respond to perceived threats from Israel and the United States. U.S. intelligence officials noted that while these mines were not deployed, their presence indicated a serious consideration of retaliatory options by Tehran. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime passage for approximately 20% of global oil and gas deliveries, has historically been a focal point of tensions between Iran and its adversaries. The recent actions by Iran have intensified concerns that the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel could lead to serious disruptions in international energy markets. Analysts warn that any attempt by Iran to block this vital waterway could create immediate and wide-ranging effects on global oil prices and push regional tensions to a boiling point. Furthermore, this military posture by Iran came against the backdrop of previous threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. Despite having issued such warnings in the past, the Iranian regime has not acted upon them. However, the recent loading of mines was viewed as the most concrete indication yet that Iran might be willing to act on its threats, especially after the U.S. conducted airstrikes on significant Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, 2025. Although these strikes initially caused an increase in oil prices, they dropped significantly afterward, indicating that markets were reassured by the lack of immediate action that would directly interfere with oil transport in the Gulf. Additionally, reports suggested the presence of Iranian midget submarines patrolling the region, which represented an escalation in Iran's military activities in response to perceived threats. As tensions continued to mount, particularly with the U.S. and Israel, the situation remained precarious, keeping global markets on alert for any shifts that could disrupt supply chains and energy prices. This incident has underlined the fragile balance in the Gulf and the potential for military scenarios that could destabilize not just regional dynamics, but international economic stability as well.