The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping routes and a chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world's oil, is becoming a flashpoint in the Iran war as explosive-laden boats have attacked fuel tankers, setting ships on fire and killing at least one crew member, according to Reuters.
Iran has warned that commercial ships won’t be allowed through while the fighting continues, a threat that is already changing behavior at sea as shipping companies are backing away from the strait.
Despite U.S. strikes on mine-laying boats, insurers have pulled coverage, traffic has dropped sharply and dozens of vessels are sitting offshore. Even the threat of attacks in the narrow channel is enough to rattle markets and push prices higher.
Here's what to know about sea mines and why they're posing new dangers in the Strait of Hormuz: