In the end, playing this "trump card" would be more costly to Iran than its enemies. But the saber rattling alone is enough to put upward pressure on oil prices.

Considering 90% of all Persian Gulf exports must pass through the Strait, any real conflict could easily send prices rocketing back above $150 per barrel.

Action to Take --> I don't see any immediate "actionable" investment angle just yet. But at the very least, this is yet another potential catalyst on the horizon for oil investors.

If Iran flexes its muscles, be ready to act by increasing exposure to your favorite oil producers. For now, this provocative act is exactly why the United States needs to become more energy independent and lessen our reliance on hostile exporters.

Turbulence in the Middle East could lend support for domestic natural gas, a big plus for stocks such as Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK). It could also lead to renewed emphasis on TransCanada's (NYSE: TRP) XL Pipeline project, which has attracted plenty of attention and controversy of its own.

Stay on top of these developments in the coming weeks. Whether you are able to move quickly or not when opportunity comes knocking could be a key factor in capturing gains if or when oil prices spike.

(Note: Rising energy demand is arguably the single most powerful trend on the planet. In each issue of Energy & Income, my mission is to give you a dependable way to profit from the world's most important industry -- energy. To find out more about my newsletter, go here.)

-- Nathan Slaughter