报道称伊朗6月波斯湾秘密装载水雷，引发“封锁霍尔木兹”忧虑

Core Viewpoint - Iran's recent actions of loading mines onto ships in the Persian Gulf have raised concerns about a potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for oil and gas [1][2]. Group 1: Iran's Military Actions - U.S. officials reported that Iran's military loaded mines onto ships in June, heightening fears of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following an Israeli missile strike on Iran [1]. - Although the mines have not yet been deployed, this indicates Iran's serious consideration of closing one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, which carries about 20% of global oil and gas transport [1][3]. - Iran's parliament has suggested closing the Strait, but the final decision rests with the Supreme National Security Council [1]. Group 2: U.S. Response and Intelligence - U.S. officials suggest that Iran's mine-loading could be a bluff to pressure Washington, indicating that Iran may not intend to follow through with a blockade [2]. - The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency estimates that Iran possesses over 5,000 mines, which can be rapidly deployed using small high-speed boats [2]. - The U.S. Fifth Fleet, stationed in Bahrain, is responsible for protecting commercial shipping in the region, and had temporarily withdrawn mine countermeasure vessels prior to potential Iranian retaliation [2]. Group 3: Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz - The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, with its narrowest point being 21 miles wide and only 2 miles wide for navigation [3]. - Major OPEC members, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq, export oil through this strait, while Qatar, a leading LNG exporter, relies on it for nearly all its LNG shipments [3]. - Iran also exports a significant portion of its oil through the Strait, which theoretically limits its willingness to close it, although it continues to invest resources to ensure a blockade can be implemented if necessary [3].