Iran Struggles to Clear Hormuz Mines, Complicating Peace Talks

Tehran reportedly lacks the coordinates and technical capacity to remove sea mines laid during the conflict, creating a major obstacle for the “decisive” negotiations currently underway in Islamabad. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Indian vessel ‘Nanda Devi’ carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrives at Vadinar Port in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat state on March 17, 2026 after Iran allowed it to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Iran has been unable to fulfill U.S. demands to reopen the Strait of Hormuz because it cannot locate all the sea mines its forces laid in the waterway, The New York Times reported on Saturday, April 11, citing American officials. The technical failure has emerged as a major factor complicating the high-stakes peace talks in Islamabad between U.S. and Iranian delegations. While President Donald Trump recently expressed confidence that the strategic route would open “fairly soon,” officials suggest that Tehran’s “chaotic” mining operation last month has created a maritime hazard that even the Iranian military cannot easily resolve. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Iran began mining the strait shortly after the commencement of the U.S.- Israeli “Operation Epic Fury.” Small boats were used to deploy the mines, but sources indicate that Tehran failed to record their exact locations. Strong currents in the strait have likely shifted the devices, making them nearly impossible to track. “Sea mines are far easier to deploy than they are to neutralize,” a source told the publication, noting that even U.S. minesweeping capabilities are limited, while Iran lacks the necessary resources for a rapid cleanup. The blockade has paralyzed commercial traffic, sending global oil prices hovering near $100 a barrel. Previously, Iran had allowed limited passage only to vessels paying a toll, which sparked sharp condemnation from Washington. Other Topics of Interest US Intelligence: Iran Retains Thousands of Ballistic Missiles in Subterranean Hangers Official assessments warn that Tehran could use the ceasefire to repair launchers and extract hidden missile stockpiles, even after losing 50% of its arsenal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, currently in Pakistan for the talks, stated that the strait would be opened “subject to technical limitations.” American officials interpret this as an admission of the difficulties in locating and neutralizing the mines. As Vice President JD Vance and Iranian negotiators continue their indirect talks in Islamabad , the safe restoration of movement through the Strait of Hormuz remains a central pillar of any potential peace agreement. However, experts warn that even if a political deal is reached, the physical clearing of the waterway could take weeks or even months. The conflict , which began on Feb. 28, has already claimed over 2,000 lives and sent global oil prices hovering near $100 a barrel.  Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.