Iran has long asserted that it can shut down the Strait of Hormuz. While the strait can't be "closed" in the traditional sense - like shutting a road - Iran could attempt to make the waterway too dangerous for commercial passage, effectively disrupting global shipping.

Fewer commercial vessels appear to be entering the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for energy exports from the Persian Gulf to the world, as Israel’s attack on Iran — and signs the US may join it — bring unease to the shipping industry.