http://www.understandingwar.org/sit...marineForce.pdf

because of this regional disadvantage, iran’s best military option against the Gcc exists at sea. none of the Gcc states have submarines, leaving iran as the only regional power with a submarine force. iran’s submarine force, equipped with torpedoes, cruise missiles, and mines, represents a significant threat to the free flow of commercial shipping through the strait of Hormuz. commercial vessels traveling through the strait of Hormuz are a strategic target, as oil exports through the Strait are the financial lifeline for the GCC. In this sense, commercial shipping vessels are better targets for Iran than GCC or U.S. warships. More importantly, the ability to threaten all surface traffic through the Strait provides Iran the ability to build an effective blockade. Iranian leaders have publicly stated that they are prepared to close the strait of Hormuz to deny Gcc states oil revenues. in December 2011, ahmad alam al-Hoda, a member of the Iranian Assembly of Experts, said, “Do not doubt that Iran has the capability to blockade the UAE and Saudi tankers departing for europe via the strait of Hormuz.