Core Viewpoint - Iranian military's recent actions in the Persian Gulf, including the loading of mines onto ships, have raised concerns in Washington about Tehran's potential plans to block the Strait of Hormuz, especially following Israeli missile strikes on Iran [1] Group 1 - The loading of mines, which has not yet been deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, indicates that Tehran may indeed be considering closing one of the world's busiest shipping routes [1] - This development could escalate the already heightened tensions in the region and severely disrupt global trade [1]