Around 80 mines must be cleared from Hormuz to restore shipping — tanker association

Lead

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil once flowed, remains partially blocked by an estimated 80 mines, according to Intertanko, the association of independent tanker owners. Even as vessels begin to transit again following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, shipping is not expected to return to normal for some time, reported The Guardian and TASS.

Phil Belcher, marine director at Intertanko, told The Guardian: "The main route … through the middle of the strait of Hormuz, that’s closed, that’s dangerous. The latest figure we had was that there’s 80 mines in the Strait of Hormuz. It’s an enormous amount and it’s going to take some time to clear."

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian, Jerusalem Post, and TASS all reported on the mine clearance challenge and its implications for global shipping. The Guardian emphasized the navigational risks and the impact on seafarers, noting that about 20,000 were stuck on either side of the channel. The Jerusalem Post focused on the toll concerns and quoted US President Donald Trump's statement that there would be no tolls during the negotiation period. TASS provided additional details on the estimated clearance timeline of 40 to 50 days, citing sources in Western maritime security companies, and highlighted the agreement that includes a 60-day ceasefire and the lifting of the US maritime blockade against Iran.

Key Claims

Mine Blockage and Clearance

Intertanko's Phil Belcher described the situation as akin to a highway with the middle lanes closed, forcing vessels to use the "hard shoulder" along the Omani coast. He warned of the risk of running aground on rocks near the southern route. TASS reported that it may take from 40 to 50 days to clear the strait, requiring both conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones. The operation could delay the supply of tens of millions of barrels of oil, according to sources quoted by Reuters and carried by TASS.

Impact on Shipping and Seafarers

The Guardian reported that about 20,000 seafarers were left stuck either side of the channel. Some ships managed to sneak through at night near the Omani coast with their transmitters off and with US assistance, while others paid to travel through Iranian waters in an arrangement nicknamed "Tehran’s tollbooth." Richard Meade, editor-in-chief at the maritime data provider Lloyd’s List, said he does not believe traffic through the strait will return to normal before the end of the year. Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, noted that even if the ceasefire holds, around 10% of global container shipping capacity remains impacted, and freight rates are spiraling across major trades.

Toll Concerns and US-Iran Deal

Both The Guardian and the Jerusalem Post reported concerns over Iran's plan to charge a maritime fee to vessels crossing the strait. The US-Iran memorandum of understanding requires toll-free passage for commercial vessels for at least 60 days, and President Trump announced that there would be no tolls during that period, and possibly afterward. TASS reported that the US will lift its maritime blockade against Iran from June 15, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed that during the 60-day ceasefire, the sides will discuss Iran's nuclear program. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization, stated readiness to begin evacuating thousands of sailors stuck in the Persian Gulf, though he acknowledged implementation will take time.

Perspectives

Intertanko, representing independent tanker owners, emphasizes the urgency of clearing the mines to restore safe, high-volume traffic through the strait's main shipping lanes, highlighting the navigational dangers of the alternative Omani route.

Iran, through its deputy foreign minister, frames the agreement as a step toward resolving the nuclear file and lifting the blockade, while its reported plan to charge a maritime fee suggests a desire to leverage the strait economically.

The United States, through President Trump's statements, presents the reopening of the strait and toll-free passage as a key achievement of the memorandum, with the 60-day ceasefire providing a window for negotiations.