11 April,2026 03:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Semiofficial Iranian agencies released a chart indicating that the Revolutionary Guard may have placed sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. File Pic
A new complication has emerged in an already tense global situation, as Iran is reportedly facing difficulties in reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The issue comes after sea mines were deployed during recent hostilities and officials now say not all of them can be located, reported IANS.
According to a report by The New York Times, citing US officials, some of the mines laid by Iran remain unaccounted for. This has raised serious concerns about maritime safety and the stability of global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, acting as a crucial passage for oil transport.
Nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments pass through this narrow channel. For countries like India, the dependence is even higher, making the situation particularly worrying for energy security.
The report states that Iran deployed sea mines using small boats last month. This move followed joint airstrikes by the US and Israel amid rising tensions over Tehran's nuclear programme, reported the news agency.
However, the operation appears to have been poorly documented. Officials believe some mines were not properly recorded, while others may have drifted from their original positions, making them harder to detect and remove.
US officials described the operation as "haphazard," pointing to the risks it now poses to commercial ships passing through the region.
The situation has become more concerning after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a public advisory warning ships about the danger of sea mines.
The IRGC advised vessels to use alternative routes to avoid potential collisions. It also indicated that a separate passage may be available for ships that comply with certain conditions, including payment of a toll.
The issue is also affecting diplomatic efforts, especially ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran taking place in Islamabad. The uncertainty around the strait's safety adds pressure to already delicate negotiations.
Although Iran has agreed to reopen the route following a ceasefire with the US, just ahead of a deadline set by Donald Trump, the inability to quickly clear the mines has delayed a full return to normal operations.
For now, authorities are relying on alternative navigation routes to reduce risks, but concerns remain high. Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching effects on global oil prices and supply chains.
(With IANS Inputs)
