Reuters: Iran is preparing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. 20% of the world's oil passes through it
After Israel's missile strike on June 13, the Iranian military loaded sea mines on ships in the Persian Gulf, indicating preparations for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. About this writes Reuters.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes for global oil trade.
About 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies pass through this strait, and blocking it could sharply increase energy prices.
The Agency was unable to determine exactly when Iran loaded the mines, which – if detonated – would have effectively stopped the movement of ships through the critical strait.
So far, these mines have not been used, but it is unknown whether they remain on board.
At the same time, oil prices fell by more than 10% after the June 22 US attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities on June 22 due to relief that the conflict did not cause serious supply disruptions.
on June 22, the Iranian parliament even supported a proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz, but the decision was not binding and had to be approved by the country's Supreme National Security Council.
The United States does not rule out that the loading of mines could have been just a psychological ploy to convince the West of Iran's serious intentions. It could also be real preparatory actions in case a decision is made to close the strait.
Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, but has never done so.
- On the night of June 22, the United States attacked the nuclear facilities of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. According to Fox News, , 30 Tomahawk missiles and five to six anti-bunker bombs.
- On June 24, Trump said that he would be honored to destroy all of Iran's nuclear facilities and capabilities, and then stop the war.
- On June 25, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Trump said that the US army's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities ended the war.
