Is the US Navy Ready to Clear Mines in the Strait of Hormuz? Insights from Experts

US Navy's Mission in the Strait of Hormuz

Washington: President Donald Trump has announced that the US Navy is engaged in clearing Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for oil transport, which is increasingly jeopardizing the global economy.

Experts suggest that the process of searching for underwater mines could extend over several months, despite a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran amid ongoing hostilities. Future assertions that the US has successfully cleared the strait, through which 20% of the world's oil typically flows, may not reassure commercial shipping companies and their insurers.

Emma Salisbury, a researcher at the Foreign Policy Research Institute's National Security Program, noted, "You don’t even need to actually lay mines; just creating the perception that they exist can be enough."

She further explained, "Even if the US claims the strait is clear, Iran can easily counter by suggesting that not all mines have been found yet. The US has limited means to restore confidence among commercial shipping lines."

The Trump administration's mine-clearing initiative is part of a broader strategy to facilitate traffic through the strait, as escalating energy prices and economic repercussions pose a political threat. The US has also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, seized vessels linked to Tehran, and is set to participate in a second round of ceasefire discussions in Pakistan this weekend.

Timeline for Mine-Clearing

Hegseth acknowledges potential six-month timeline for mine clearance

Pentagon officials informed lawmakers that clearing the mines laid by Iran in the strait could take approximately six months, according to a source who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information. This estimate was shared during a classified briefing at the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday.

When questioned about this timeline, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refrained from making predictions but did not dismiss the possibility.

"That was allegedly mentioned," Hegseth stated at a Pentagon press conference. "However, we are confident in our ability to clear any identified mines within an appropriate timeframe."

Trump has directed the Navy to take action against any vessels laying mines in the strait.

"Our mine sweepers are currently active in the Strait, and I am ordering an increase in these operations!" the president declared on social media.

Current Operations and Challenges

Adm. Brad Cooper, the leading US commander in the Middle East, recently confirmed that military efforts are underway to eliminate mines from the strait, although he did not provide specific details.

Currently, there is no evidence that the US military is deploying warships, its most prominent mine-clearing assets, in the strait.

However, the Navy has divers and small teams of explosive ordnance disposal specialists in the area capable of mine clearance, which are less conspicuous than larger warships.

Experts suggest that some mine-clearing equipment could be relocated from ships and utilized from land.

Challenges in Mine Detection

It remains uncertain whether any mines have actually been deployed. Iran has only indicated the "likelihood" of mines in the strait's pre-war routes.

Estimates of Iran's mine stockpile range in the low thousands, according to Salisbury. Most of these underwater explosives are believed to be older Soviet models, while some newer ones may originate from China or be domestically produced.

"Laying mines is significantly easier than clearing them; you can simply drop them off the back of a speedboat," Salisbury explained, although she noted that the US could likely detect such actions.

Iran also possesses small submarines capable of deploying mines, which are much harder to detect. Salisbury mentioned that there are no indications that these submarines have been neutralized during the conflict.

Mine-Clearing Techniques and Strategies

If mines have been placed in the strait, they are not the stereotypical floating explosives depicted in films. Instead, they are likely resting on the seabed or tethered to it by cables, remaining submerged. These mines can be activated by changes in water pressure as ships pass or by the sound of their engines.

US Navy's Mine-Sweeping Capabilities

The US Navy currently has two littoral combat ships in the Middle East equipped for mine-sweeping operations, according to a defense official who spoke on the condition of anonymity regarding sensitive military movements.

Additionally, two US Avenger-class minesweepers stationed in Japan have set sail for the Middle East but were still in the Pacific Ocean as of Friday.

Steven Wills, a retired lieutenant commander with experience on an Avenger-class ship, indicated that the Navy is likely searching for underwater explosives to establish a safe passage through the strait. The process of mine-sweeping is typically slower and occurs post-conflict.

"Minehunting is akin to meticulously weeding your garden, while minesweeping resembles mowing the lawn," Wills explained, emphasizing the difference in approaches.

Shipping Companies Assessing Risks

Ultimately, shipping companies may be willing to accept certain risks to navigate through the strait, especially considering its lucrative nature, according to Savitz.

Under Iran's regulations for vessels wishing to transit the strait, ships must now follow a different route, closer to Iran's coastline than before the conflict.

Insurers are incorporating clauses that require ship owners to consult Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage, as noted by Dylan Mortimer, UK marine war leader for an insurance brokerage.

This certification does not specifically mention mines but aims to safeguard against a range of threats, including missile and drone attacks or seizures.

However, the mere presence of mines, whether real or perceived, plays a psychological role, a phenomenon Mortimer refers to as the "spectre of threat."

"This works in favor of the Iranians, as the belief in the existence of mines influences operational decisions," Mortimer stated.

Such fears may prolong the restoration of confidence in the safety of the Strait, even after the conflict has ended.