Iranian Mines Could Delay Hormuz Reopening For Months

Iranian Mines Could Delay Hormuz Reopening For Months

Plans to rapidly reopen the Strait of Hormuz under the new US-Iran memorandum of understanding could face significant delays as military forces search for mines believed to have been laid during the recent conflict.

President Donald Trump acknowledged the problem this week, saying US forces were already hunting for Iranian mines that may have been deployed in and around the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, carrying a large share of global energy supplies.

Mine Threat Could Keep Shipping Away

Military experts warn that even a relatively small number of mines could prevent shipping companies from returning to normal operations.

Naval analyst Steven Wills said mines are particularly dangerous because they are difficult to locate and create uncertainty for commercial operators. He estimated Iran may have deployed anywhere from dozens to hundreds of mines during the conflict, although the actual figure remains unknown.

Bryan Clark, a naval operations specialist with the Hudson Institute, suggested the number could be lower but said even a few mines would be enough to create the perception of a major threat.

Clearing Operations May Take Months

Experts say reopening the waterway safely involves two separate tasks: locating safe routes through the strait and then conducting full mine-clearing operations.

Initial mine-hunting efforts could identify shipping lanes within weeks, but completely removing the threat may take considerably longer. Clark estimated that locating all mines could take one to two weeks, while full clearance operations may require several months.

Military forces would likely use a combination of specialised ships, helicopters, underwater drones and unmanned vehicles to search for and neutralise explosive devices.

Iran's Mine-Laying Campaign

US officials have previously said Iran deployed mines in the early stages of the conflict, prompting an American military response.

According to US Central Command, American forces attacked 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels in March after President Trump ordered operations to prevent further deployment of mines in the shipping lane.

However, uncertainty remains over how many mines may already have been placed before those vessels were targeted.

Shipping Industry Wants Proof

Even after military officials declare parts of the strait safe, insurers and shipping firms may remain cautious.

Experts say commercial operators will likely demand detailed evidence that mines have been cleared before resuming normal traffic. Military escorts and demonstration voyages may also be required to restore confidence.

The challenge highlights a growing gap between political agreements and operational reality, with the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz potentially taking far longer than diplomats hope.

Strategic Route Remains Critical

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important waterways in the world economy, handling millions of barrels of oil every day.

While the US-Iran agreement aims to restore free navigation through the route, experts warn that the mine threat could continue disrupting global energy markets long after any formal peace deal is signed.

SOURCE