SRINAGAR: Iran is reportedly unable to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping because it cannot locate all the naval mines it previously deployed in the waterway, according to a New York Times report citing US officials.
The mines were allegedly laid by Iranian forces last month in an effort to block maritime traffic amid escalating tensions following US and Israeli airstrikes and stalled nuclear negotiations. However, officials cited in the report say Iran may not have properly recorded the exact placement of all the mines, complicating removal efforts.
Some of the devices that were documented were reportedly positioned in a way that allowed them to drift, further increasing the difficulty of tracking them. US officials described the mining as “haphazard,” according to the report.
The situation has raised concerns ahead of sensitive diplomatic discussions, especially after warnings from former US President Donald Trump urging Tehran to quickly reopen the strategic chokepoint. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, handling roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments and a significant share of India’s energy imports.
The waterway links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it one of the most important maritime trade routes globally. Iranian forces had earlier warned commercial vessels of the risk posed by sea mines, while still allowing limited passage through alternative lanes subject to conditions.
Although Iran recently agreed to reopen the strait following a ceasefire arrangement with the United States, reports suggest it has been forced to advise ships to use alternate routes due to lingering risks from unexploded or untracked mines.
In a statement cited by Iran Wire, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps advised vessels transiting the area to avoid the main channel and instead use designated alternative entry and exit routes, citing safety concerns over possible mine-related hazards.
