Iran does not need to close the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt it

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Rashid Al-Mohanadi,Nawaf ObaidMarch 20, 2026 at 12:05 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

An expert argues that Iran's most effective strategy to disrupt global shipping is not to close the Strait of Hormuz, but to create uncertainty in the surrounding waters. Instead of mining the strait itself, Iran could mine the approaches, specifically the entrance zones in the Gulf of Oman where commercial traffic converges. This approach would disrupt a wider maritime area while remaining under Iranian surveillance. By seeding mines in the approaches, Iran could create sufficient uncertainty for mariners, insurers, and naval escorts, effectively interdicting traffic without a direct blockade of the strait. This strategy allows Iran to generate disruption more efficiently and across a broader area.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Hormozgan Province 50% Tehran 50% Qeshm Island 50% Center for International Policy Research 60% King’s College London 60% Gulf of Oman 70% Iran ×590% Strait of Hormuz ×7100%

Keywords

strait of hormuz 100% maritime interdiction 80% maritime security 70% naval strategy 70% shipping disruption 60% mining 60% maritime traffic 50% gulf of oman 50%