Vessels would be sitting ducks if foreign naval forces attempted to reopen the waterway before a cessation of hostilities, experts say.

The oil price reached nearly $120 a barrel on Monday over fears of lengthy disruption to supplies.

Oil prices spiked after shipments through the Strait of Hormuz were disrupted amid the Iran war.

Vessels would be sitting ducks if foreign naval forces attempted to reopen the waterway before a cessation of hostilities, experts say.

“The scale of what is at stake cannot be overstated,” said Hakan Kaya, senior portfolio manager at investment management firm Neuberger Berman

"Iran has extensive tunnel networks to protect and launch such vessels surreptitiously, including midget submarines and other submersibles useful for mine laying."