Iran Unable to Open Strait of Hormuz Due to Mines, NYT Reports

Iran is struggling to fully restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz due to underwater mines placed in the area, according to a report by The New York Times citing American officials.

The report indicates that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps planted mines in the strait in March using small boats. These operations started following military actions from the United States and Israel, which led to a cessation of shipping and a sharp increase in global energy prices.

Transit has only been permitted for vessels from friendly countries, including Russia and China, as well as those willing to pay a special fee.

It has been reported that the Iranian side issued maps of “safe corridors,” although their accuracy is in question. Some of the mines were placed without precise coordinates, and others were left free-floating, significantly complicating their detection and disarming.

According to American officials, mine clearance is a technically more complex process than their placement. It has been noted that neither the U.S. nor Iran have the adequate technical means for rapid clearance.

The Strait of Hormuz holds strategic importance, as about 15% of the world’s oil and approximately 20% of liquefied gas pass through it. During negotiations, the U.S. has demanded the full reopening of the strait, warning that military operations could resume otherwise, while a two-week ceasefire is currently in effect.