The US Navy has accused Iran of employing a mining strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at funneling commercial shipping into sea lanes near its shores. This tactic would allow Iran to exert greater control over traffic and potentially collect tolls.
The US Navy's top military official stated that this strategy is part of Iran's efforts to assert its dominance in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil trade, and any disruption to shipping in the area could have significant economic and geopolitical implications.