Supreme leader of Iran
A major preparation was going on in Iran amidst Israeli attacks on 13 June and US retaliation on 22 June. This was a preparation to shut down the hormuj strait.
American intelligence agencies claim that Iran had loaded the naval mines (landmines) laid under water in its naval ships last month. This is the same way through which the fifth part of the world is traded.
Hormuj: The world's energy lifeline in the shadow of gunpowder
The Hormuj Strait connects the Gulf of Persia to the Arabian Sea and is just 34 km wide. But its strategic and economic importance is much larger. Crude oil and gas of countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait come out of this path.
Even Iran itself is dependent on this route. This is the reason that if this route was closed, the global energy supply could have collapsed and oil prices could touch the sky. However, after the US attack, the crisis was averted at least due to international diplomatic pressure and military vigilance.
Intention or psychological war?
US officials believe that Iran loaded with two things by loading mines. Either he was really preparing to stop, or he was trying to bring America and its colleagues under psychological pressure. This apprehension further got air when the Iranian Parliament passed a resolution to close Hormuj on 22 June.
However, this decision was not final as it was to be approved to the Supreme National Security Council of the country. Iran has threatened to close Hormuj many times before, but till now it has been limited to words only.
The oil path is still open, but stress remains
So far, the hormuj drainage is open and prices in the global oil market remain stable. But the US Navy and intelligence agencies are fully cautious about this. America's fifth fleet, which is posted in Bahrain, handles the responsibility of security in the region. Recently, when Iran's nuclear bases were attacked, the US temporarily removed its anti-mortgage ships, so that they would not be harmed in the Iranian counter attack.
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