Iran cannot find mines in Hormuz on its own

Iran has previously laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz. But now it cannot find where the mines are. It does not have the capacity to remove them, US officials say. That is why Iran has not been able to increase shipping traffic in the strait quickly, despite repeated pressure from the Trump administration. This complication is now complicating the ongoing peace talks in Islamabad.
Iran has been laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz using small boats since the US and Israel declared war on Iran last month. The mines, along with the threat of drone and missile attacks, have almost completely stopped the movement of oil tankers and other ships. This has increased fuel prices and put Iran in a stronger position in the negotiations.
US officials say Iran has been laying mines indiscriminately. No complete record was kept of where the mines were laid. Some mines were even laid in a way that allowed them to be removed. As a result, it is not possible to know the exact location of all the mines.
Mines are as difficult to remove as landmines at sea. Not only Iran, but the US Navy also lacks the ability to quickly remove mines. In a post on social media on Tuesday, Trump said the two-week ceasefire would only take effect if the Strait of Hormuz was “fully, immediately and safely opened.”
On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait would be opened to traffic, but with “technical limitations.” US officials say Araghchi was referring to the inability to find and remove mines. Araghchi is currently in Islamabad for meetings with J.D. Vance. The question of how quickly the Strait of Hormuz can be made safe is expected to be a key topic of discussion.

Source: The New York Times