Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said only Tehran knows the precise locations of mines in the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The statement challenges assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that the waterway has been cleared of explosives. Because the strait is a primary artery for global oil shipments, any uncertainty regarding naval mines increases the risk of maritime accidents, or military escalation in the Persian Gulf.
Gharibabadi said the mines are part of Iran's defensive and offensive capabilities [1]. He said that the presence of these weapons provides Tehran with strategic control over the passage, contradicting reports that the area is safe for unrestricted transit [2].
The dispute centers on the transparency of naval operations in the region. While the U.S. administration has suggested that clearing operations were successful, the Iranian government maintains that its proprietary knowledge of mine placement remains a critical deterrent [3].
This tension occurs amid ongoing frictions between the two nations over regional security and maritime law. By asserting that the mines remain active and hidden, Tehran signals that it retains the ability to disrupt traffic through the strait if it deems necessary [1].
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most strategically important chokepoints in the world, and the disagreement over mine clearance highlights the lack of coordination between the competing naval powers in the area [2].
“Only Tehran knows the precise locations of mines in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The contradiction between the U.S. and Iranian accounts of the Strait of Hormuz suggests a psychological warfare component to maritime security. By claiming sole knowledge of mine locations, Iran creates a perceived risk that can influence international shipping insurance rates and naval movement, regardless of whether the waterway has been physically cleared.
