How minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz works: A visual guide

Clearing the Strait of Hormuz: How minesweeping works after the US-Iran deal

Shipping traffic is picking up in the Strait of Hormuz after the United States and Iran signed a framework agreement aimed at ending the US-Israel war on Iran and reopening the strategic waterway. But as vessels return, experts warn that the strait remains highly dangerous, largely due to the threat of sea mines, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet describes the strait as a "global energy chokepoint" and notes that shipping companies and insurers have cautioned that it will take time for traffic to return to pre-war levels.

The deal, which requires Iran to clear any mines within 30 days as a condition for reopening the strait, has raised hopes that oil will flow again. The New York Times reports that President Trump said Sunday the deal would let oil "flow on both ends," quickly easing an impending energy crisis. However, the newspaper cautions that restarting ship traffic depends on whether the Iranians laid mines and how quickly they can be found and neutralized.

France and the United Kingdom are leading the demining effort, backed by allies including Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada, according to Al Jazeera. The New York Times adds that Britain said last month it could deploy mine-hunting drones as part of a multinational mission, and French President Emmanuel Macron said France was prepared to dispatch mine-clearing vessels within days of a confirmed peace deal.

Coverage comparison

Al Jazeera focuses on the broader context of the demining operation, emphasizing the variety of mine types and the international coalition's role. The New York Times, by contrast, centers on the US Navy's technological shift, reporting that the Navy is deploying a new generation of drone-based countermeasures to search the sea floor and surface for Iranian mines. The newspaper also notes that the Navy has been decommissioning its Avenger-class minesweepers and replacing them with steel-hulled littoral combat ships.

Both outlets agree that the mines are a major obstacle, but they differ in tone. Al Jazeera's coverage is cautious, dwelling on the dangers and the slow pace of clearing. The New York Times strikes a note of cautious optimism, acknowledging the challenges while highlighting the deal's promise.

Key claims

Demining responsibilities and coalition: Al Jazeera reports that Iran is required to clear mines within 30 days, and that France and the UK are leading the effort with support from Germany, Italy, Japan, and Canada.

US Navy drone countermeasures: The New York Times reports that the US Navy is deploying a new generation of drone-based countermeasures to search for mines. The Navy employs underwater drones that use side-scanning sonar emitters to map the seafloor, the newspaper says.

Fleet modernization: The New York Times states that the US Navy has been decommissioning its Avenger-class minesweepers and replacing them with steel-hulled littoral combat ships.

Types of naval mines: Al Jazeera explains that naval mines come in several types, including bottom mines, moored mines, drifting mines, and limpet mines. Bottom mines sit on the seabed, often in shallow coastal waters, straits, or shipping channels.

Clearing process: Al Jazeera describes the clearing process as slow and high-risk, typically involving locating individual devices and destroying them in place or sweeping suspected areas.

Evolution of mines: The New York Times notes that modern naval mines have evolved into high-tech weapons that are difficult to find and clear, making the task painstaking.

Uncertainty about mines: The New York Times points out that it is not clear whether Iran actually laid any mines, noting that scores of ships passed through the strait during the war without hitting mines. In March, US Central Command said it attacked 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels near the strait, but the impact of those efforts is uncertain.

Perspectives

United States: President Trump has expressed optimism, saying the strait is "already partially opened" and that "they're doing a little hunting for a couple of mines." He has also indicated he will ask European leaders for help, suggesting it would not hurt to have "a ship or two up here from a few countries."

France: President Emmanuel Macron has committed to dispatching mine-clearing vessels within days of a confirmed peace deal, according to The New York Times.

United Kingdom: Britain has said it could deploy mine-hunting drones as part of a multinational mission to secure the strait, as reported by The New York Times.

Iran: Al Jazeera reports that Iran threatened early in the conflict to use various types of naval mines to block the passage of ships, but did not comment on whether its forces had actually planted them. Under the agreement, Iran is required to clear any mines within 30 days.