U.S. Says Iranian Mines Still Blocking Full Use of Strait of Hormuz Route

Mintesinot Nigussie

Iranian naval mines laid in the Strait of Hormuz remain difficult to locate and remove, limiting the reopening of the key shipping lane and complicating diplomatic efforts tied to wider de-escalation talks. US officials say the inability to fully map and clear the mines has slowed efforts to restore normal traffic through the waterway.

According to US officials, Iran deployed small boats last month to lay mines in the strait shortly after the start of hostilities involving the United States and Israel. The deployment, combined with threats of drone and missile attacks, reduced tanker movements through the channel to a fraction of normal levels.

Iran has kept a restricted corridor open for vessels meeting its conditions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that drifting mines pose risks to navigation, while Iranian semiofficial outlets have published charts indicating designated safe routes through the waterway.

US officials say those routes reflect the irregular manner in which the mines were placed. It remains unclear whether all deployment locations were recorded, and some devices may have shifted after being laid, further complicating clearance efforts.

Naval mine removal is widely regarded as a complex task once devices are deployed. The United States relies on specialised littoral combat vessels with mine countermeasure capabilities, which officials describe as limited relative to operational demands.

The situation comes amid fragile regional tensions, with Israel continuing strikes in Lebanon and Iran showing no indication of easing restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy flows.

With the Strait of Hormuz constrained, Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline has become a key alternative export channel for crude shipments. Analysts say the disruption could tighten global supply conditions and add upward pressure on oil prices.

Businesses in energy, shipping and insurance sectors are closely monitoring developments, as full reopening of the strait remains critical for stable global energy markets.

Overall, the continued presence of Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the challenges of restoring safe maritime passage and the ongoing impact of the conflict on international trade routes.