US became concerned after Iran moved to blow up ships in Strait of Hormuz: report

During the Iran-Israel war, US intelligence reportedly detected that Tehran had loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf, which hinted at a potential attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz and target commercial or military ships. The development raised serious concerns in Washington about a possible escalation in the conflict, according to US officials with access to highly sensitive intelligence.

The previously undisclosed activity is said to have occurred sometime after Israel launched missile strikes on Iranian targets on June 13, the officials added.

Although the mines have not been deployed; however, US intelligence officials believed the action signals that Iran was contemplating a closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass. 

Despite the preparations, oil prices have dropped more than 10% since the US launched retaliatory strikes on June 22 targeting three Iranian nuclear facilities. Analysts attribute the decline to relief that the conflict has not yet significantly disrupted the flow of oil from the Gulf.

Read: Three tankers divert away from Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions

Iran's parliament later endorsed a non-binding resolution in favour of closing the strait, but ultimate authority lies with Iran's Supreme National Security Council. State-run Press TV confirmed that the resolution did not amount to an official decision.

The precise timing of Iran’s naval mine deployment remains unclear, and US officials declined to say whether the mines remain aboard the vessels or have since been removed. 

Iran has frequently threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz during times of heightened tension, but has never carried out the threat. The latest developments underscore the fragility of the current situation and the potential for further escalation.

Officials in Washington are reportedly monitoring Iranian naval movements closely while continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further in the region.