U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press briefing at the White House, on the one-year mark into his second term in office, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 20, 2026. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
Iran Can’t Reopen Strait of Hormuz—Because It Can’t Find Its Own Mines
(Tehran, Iran) – Iran is struggling to restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after laying naval mines it now reportedly cannot fully locate or remove, according to U.S. officials, and a report by The New York Times.
The issue is emerging as a major obstacle in ongoing tensions with the U.S., particularly as President Donald Trump pushes for the immediate reopening of one of the world’s most critical oil routes.
Mines Slowing Everything Down
Last month, Iran deployed mines across the narrow waterway using small boats, shortly after conflict escalated with U.S. and Israeli forces. The move sharply reduced ship traffic, sending energy prices higher and giving Tehran leverage.
But now, that strategy is backfiring.
U.S. officials say:
- Iran did not precisely track where all mines were placed
- Some mines may have drifted from their original positions
- The country lacks the equipment to quickly clear even its own mines
As a result, shipping through the strait remains limited, with only narrow “safe” corridors available.
Limited Access, High Risk
Iran has kept parts of the passage open, allowing certain ships through—reportedly those willing to comply with its conditions. But the broader threat remains.
Warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard have highlighted the risk of vessels striking mines, and unofficial guidance has circulated showing restricted navigation routes.
Even the U.S. military, which has specialized mine-clearing capabilities, faces limits in how quickly such hazards can be removed—underscoring how complex the situation has become.
Trump Pressure, Peace Talks Loom
President Trump has demanded the “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the strait as part of any pause in fighting.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the waterway can reopen—but only within “technical limitations,” a phrase U.S. officials interpret as a reference to the mine problem.
The issue is expected to take center stage in upcoming talks between U.S. officials, led by Vice President JD Vance, and Iranian representatives in Pakistan.
Bigger Picture
The Strait of Hormuz is a chokepoint for a significant share of the world’s oil supply. Even partial disruption has global consequences.
Iran’s mining campaign initially tightened its grip on the region—but now, the inability to clean it up quickly is complicating both military strategy and diplomacy.
