Iran is facing major technical hurdles in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials speaking to the sources. A key problem is that Iran cannot locate all the naval mines it placed in the waterway. Even when some mines are found, officials say Iran does not have the proper equipment or capability to remove them safely. This situation is now complicating ongoing peace talks in Islamabad.
US Officials Link Delay to “Technical Limitations”
The delay in reopening the strategic water route is also being linked to Iran’s response to US pressure. Tehran has been slow to meet US President Donald Trump’s demand to fully restore shipping through the strait. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, currently in Pakistan for talks with US Vice President JD Vance, said this week that the waterway would reopen “with due consideration of technical limitations.”
US officials confirmed to The New York Times that this statement was directly referring to Iran’s difficulty in dealing with the mine problem.
Strait of Hormuz: A Critical Global Energy Route
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important maritime passages in the world. Nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it. However, shipping activity has dropped sharply since Iran began laying mines last month, following escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Along with the mines, the threat of Iranian drone and missile attacks has further reduced traffic. These developments have also pushed global energy prices higher, while giving Iran strong leverage in negotiations.
How Iran Laid Mines in the Waterway
US officials said Iran used small boats to deploy mines across the strait. However, the process appears to have been poorly organized. It is unclear whether Iran recorded the exact locations of all the mines it placed.
Even the recorded positions may not be reliable anymore, as sea currents could have shifted the mines. Some of them were reportedly placed in a way that allows them to drift, making tracking even more difficult.
Iran Restricted Shipping Corridor Amid Mine Risk
Despite the danger, Iran has kept a narrow corridor open for limited shipping. Vessels are allowed to pass only if they pay a toll. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has also released charts showing designated safe routes.
However, these routes are heavily restricted and surrounded by uncharted minefields, making navigation highly risky for commercial ships passing through the region.
Strait of Hormuz: Not Owned by Any One Country
The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It lies between Iran to the north and Oman (Musandam Peninsula) to the south.
According to international maritime law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the strait is considered a global shipping route, not the property of any single nation.
So, Iran does not legally own the Strait of Hormuz.
Why Iran Has Strong Control Over the Strait
Even though it does not “own” the strait, Iran has significant influence over it because of its geography:
Strategic Geographic Location
Iran sits along the northern side of the narrowest and most critical part of the strait. This gives it a direct position close to shipping lanes used by oil tankers.
Military Presence and Capability
Iran has naval bases, missile systems, and patrol boats along its coast. This allows it to monitor or threaten shipping activity passing through the strait.
Ability to Disrupt Shipping
Experts say Iran cannot fully close the strait permanently, but it can:
- Harass or inspect ships
- Deploy naval mines
- Threaten attacks on vessels
This gives Iran “de facto control” or influence, even without legal ownership.
Shared Waterway with Oman and International Rules
While Iran is powerful in the area, shipping lanes are mainly managed under international rules, and Oman also controls part of the southern side. The United States and other naval forces also patrol the region to ensure free movement of trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is not part of Iran’s regime or legal ownership. However, Iran’s geographic position and military strength allow it to exercise strong influence over one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, making it a key player in global shipping security.
