The U.S. Navy has begun operations to clear Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea lane responsible for 20% of the world’s oil shipments. This move comes amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran, as rising energy prices and economic disruption pose significant political risks.
Experts warn that even after mines are cleared, the perception of danger may persist, impacting global shipping confidence. 'You don’t even have to have lain mines — you just have to make people believe that you’ve laid mines,' said Emma Salisbury, a scholar at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.
Challenges in Mine Clearing
Pentagon officials estimate that clearing the mines could take up to six months, a timeline Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth neither confirmed nor denied. 'We feel confident in our ability, in the correct period of time, to clear any mines that we identify,' Hegseth stated.
President Trump has ordered the Navy to triple its efforts in the strait and to attack any vessel laying mines. The U.S. has also blockaded Iran’s ports and seized ships tied to Tehran, escalating tensions.
'Minelaying is a lot easier than minesweeping,' Salisbury noted. 'Iran can deploy mines quickly, even from small submarines, making detection difficult.'
The U.S. military is likely using divers and explosive ordnance disposal teams rather than large warships to avoid becoming targets. Despite these efforts, uncertainty remains over whether any mines have actually been deployed, complicating confidence in the waterway’s safety.