Iran loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf last month, intensifying concerns in Washington that Tehran was preparing to close the Strait of Hormuz, two sources briefed on classified intelligence told Reuters on Tuesday.
“The loading of the mines... suggests that Tehran may have been serious about closing one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes,” the officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Reuters also reported that Iran’s military “could have also simply been making necessary preparations in the event that Iran’s leaders gave the order.”
The activity was detected after Israel launched missile strikes on Iranian territory on June 13, the officials said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway bordered by Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes through the route.
Iran’s parliament approved a measure to close the strait last month following US airstrikes, state media reported. The measure was not binding, and the final decision rests with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, the country’s highest security authority, a lawmaker said last month.
Iran has long threatened to shut the strait but has never followed through. A closure would likely disrupt global energy markets and risk triggering a broader conflict.
A White House official said the waterway remains open and credited President Trump’s military operations, pressure campaign, and efforts to restore maritime security.
