New Delhi: Iran is facing significant challenges in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as difficulties in locating and clearing naval mines continue to hinder progress. The issue has emerged as a major complication during ongoing diplomatic discussions in Islamabad.
According to officials, Iran has been unable to identify the precise locations of all the mines it deployed in the waterway. In several cases, even when mines are detected, the country lacks the technical capability to safely remove them. This has slowed efforts to restore normal shipping activity through the strait, a key global trade route.
The situation helps explain delays in meeting calls from Donald Trump to reopen the passage. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently indicated that reopening would proceed with consideration of “technical limitations,” a statement now understood to directly refer to the mine clearance challenges.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Since mining operations began last month amid escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel, traffic through the corridor has dropped sharply, impacting global energy flows.
Officials indicated that the mines were deployed using small boats in a manner that lacked precision. Some were not properly recorded, while others may have drifted due to ocean currents, further complicating detection and removal efforts. Although Iran has left a narrow passage open for limited transit and published designated safe routes, these corridors remain tightly restricted due to the surrounding uncharted minefields.
The ongoing disruption has not only strained maritime movement but also strengthened Iran’s strategic position in negotiations, as control over the waterway continues to influence global energy markets and diplomatic outcomes.
