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Oil Tankers Navigate the Strait of Hormuz: A Look Back
Oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, December 21, 2018. — Reuters
- Naval mines placed last month have raised concerns about a potential blockade.
- A blockade would severely disrupt global trade.
- The U.S. has not dismissed the idea that the mine placement could be a deceptive tactic.
Recently, the Iranian military reportedly placed naval mines on ships in the Persian Gulf, a development that has heightened U.S. fears that Tehran might aim to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz. This move comes in response to missile strikes by Israel targeting Iranian sites, as indicated by two U.S. officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the intelligence involved.
U.S. intelligence discovered these preparations shortly after Israel launched its initial assault on Iran’s military facilities on June 13. The deployment of the mines—though not yet positioned in the strait—suggests that Iran could genuinely be considering shutting down this vital global shipping route. Such an action would significantly escalate tensions and disrupt worldwide commerce.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial conduit for approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments, and any blockage could lead to a surge in international energy prices. However, in a twist of fate, global oil prices have actually dropped over 10% following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear installations, largely due to relief that these conflicts haven’t resulted in major interruptions to oil trade.
On June 22, shortly after the U.S. bombed three important Iranian nuclear sites in an attempt to undermine Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, Iran’s parliament endorsed a motion to block the strait. While this vote was not legally binding, the Supreme National Security Council of Iran would make the final determination. Historically, Iran has threatened to close the strait but has never put such threats into action.
Reuters could not pinpoint the exact timing of the mine placement amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, nor whether those mines have since been removed. The sources did not clarify how the U.S. gathered information regarding the mines on the Iranian vessels; typically, such intelligence is amassed using satellite images, covert human resources, or a mix of both.
In response to inquiries about Iran’s military activities, a White House official credited the effectiveness of President Biden’s Operation Midnight Hammer, stating that, thanks to U.S. efforts, the Strait of Hormuz remains open, freedom of navigation has been restored, and Iran has been considerably weakened.
The Pentagon did not offer immediate comments, and Iran’s mission to the United Nations also remained silent on the matter.
A Crucial Waterway
The officials in question also noted that the U.S. government has not ruled out the possibility that Iran’s mine placement is a strategic distraction. The Iranian military could be preparing the mines to convince Washington of their genuine intentions when, in fact, they may not wish to close the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital link between Oman and Iran, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea beyond. Its narrowest point is merely 21 miles (34 km) wide, with the shipping lane extending just 2 miles on either side.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq depend heavily on this passage for crude oil exports, primarily to Asia. Countries such as Qatar, one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, also rely on the strait for almost all of their LNG shipments.
Iran similarly exports a vast portion of its crude oil through this waterway, constraining its appetite to close it. However, Tehran has invested significant resources to ensure it can do so if deemed necessary. As of 2019, estimated U.S. intelligence indicated Iran possessed over 5,000 naval mines, which could be swiftly deployed using small, high-speed boats.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet, stationed in Bahrain, is tasked with safeguarding commerce in this vital region. Traditionally, the U.S. Navy has maintained four mine countermeasure vessels in Bahrain; however, these vessels are in the process of being replaced by littoral combat ships, which also possess anti-mine capabilities. Notably, all anti-mine ships were temporarily removed from Bahrain leading up to the U.S. strikes on Iran, anticipating potential retaliatory attacks on the Fifth Fleet headquarters.
In the immediate aftermath, Iran’s retaliation was confined to a missile strike on a U.S. military installation in Qatar, though U.S. officials have not dismissed the possibility of further Iranian counteractions.
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