US allies have raised concerns that the Strait of Hormuz may not be fully cleared of mines, despite former President Donald Trump’s August 25 statement that the US Navy had completed mine clearance operations in the strait and warned Iran against deploying new mines.
Sources indicate that while the United States has made progress in clearing international waters, an estimated 80 to 150 Iranian-laid explosive devices could still remain in the strait.
Becca Wasser, a defense expert, stated: “It is highly unlikely that all the mines in the Strait have been cleared. Even if the mine threat decreases, Iran could still escalate the situation. Numerous commercial vessels are within range of Iranian drones and short-range missiles.”
Additionally, US allies noted that the mine clearance process may be complicated by shifting sea currents, which could move mines from their original positions. They emphasized that an international operation using specialized equipment and military protection would be necessary to ensure the safety of global shipping.
The United States and Iran are currently working to reach an agreement on security measures in the strait, but concerns remain about potential disruptions to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
