Strait of Hormuz News: The planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under the US–Iran Memorandum of Understanding could face significant delays due to the presence of naval mines left in the waterway after the recent conflict, experts have warned.
Although diplomatic efforts aim to restore global shipping routes quickly, military and maritime analysts say clearing even a small number of underwater mines is a slow, complex and highly dangerous process. The situation has raised concerns that commercial traffic may not fully resume for months, despite the ceasefire framework being in place.
US–Iran Memorandum Why Could the Opening of the Strait of Hormuz Be Delayed?
Experts say the main obstacle to reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the possible presence of sea mines placed during the conflict. These explosives are difficult to detect and can remain hidden on the seabed or just below the surface, creating long-term risks for shipping.
Even after a ceasefire agreement, shipping companies will not return unless there is full confidence that the waterway is completely safe.
Strait of Hormuz News: How Many Naval Mines Are Believed to Be in the Waterway?
Estimates vary widely, but defence experts suggest anywhere from a few dozen to possibly over 100 mines could be present in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Some officials believe Iran may have deployed mines using small boats during the early phase of the conflict. However, the exact number remains unknown, and analysts say confirmation will only come after full underwater surveys begin.
Strait of Hormuz News: What Makes Sea Mines So Difficult to Detect and Remove?
Naval mines are considered one of the most dangerous maritime weapons because they can be hard to detect and unpredictable. Some lie on the seabed and appear like rocks or debris, while others float just below the surface.
Experts also warn that certain modern mines can react to sound or movement, making them even harder to locate and neutralise safely.
Strait of Hormuz News: How Long Could Mine-Clearing Operations Take?
Military experts estimate that it could take one to two weeks just to locate safe navigation paths, followed by several months of full clearing operations. Historical cases show that mine-clearing in similar waterways has taken months, even with advanced technology and international naval support.
Shipping and insurance companies are unlikely to resume normal operations until they receive clear guarantees from naval authorities. Experts say commercial vessels will only return once the US Navy and allied forces demonstrate safe passage routes and provide verified clearance reports.
Without this assurance, global oil and cargo traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could remain disrupted.
What Methods Are Used to Clear Mines from Strategic Waterways?
Naval forces use a combination of mine-hunting ships, underwater drones, and helicopter-towed sensors to detect safe routes.
Once identified, controlled sweeping operations are carried out to trigger or remove mines safely. In some cases, explosive disposal teams are used to neutralise devices individually, a process described by experts as slow and highly dangerous.
