Last week, the United States and Iran signed a framework agreement to end the US-Israeli war against Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, experts say it will take time for maritime traffic to return to pre-war levels due to concerns over naval mines.
Under the deal, Iran must clear all mines within 30 days in exchange for the reopening of the strait. France and the UK are leading the clearance effort, with support from Germany, Italy, Japan and Canada.
Main Types of Mines
Bottom mines: Placed on the seabed in shallow waters, straits or shipping channels. When a vessel passes overhead, it detonates based on magnetic, acoustic or pressure signals, creating an immense gas bubble capable of destroying the ship.
Moored mines: Anchored to the seabed by cable and floating just below the surface. These are the classic “spiked” mines that explode on ship contact or entering sensor range.
Drifting mines: Not anchored, moving with currents and tides; the most unpredictable type because their location constantly changes, potentially drifting far from the original conflict zone.
Limpet mines: Smaller devices attached directly to a ship’s hull by magnets or clamps, often with a timer so the planter can escape before detonation.
Mine Clearance Process
The clearance procedure, known as mine countermeasures (MCM), is slow and high-risk. There are two main methods:
Mine hunting: A ship deploys underwater drones equipped with sonar and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to scan the seabed. Once a target is detected, specialists must confirm whether it is a real mine, since the seabed contains many foreign objects (rocks, debris, wrecks). When identified as a mine, it can be neutralised by controlled detonation, specialised divers or ROVs that disable the fuze.
Mine sweeping: Using towed equipment to clear an area suspected of containing mines without pinpointing each one. Mechanical systems use cable sweeps with cutters to sever mooring cables, bringing mines to the surface for safe disposal. Other systems tow devices that mimic the magnetic and acoustic signatures of a ship to detonate mines prematurely.
A single confirmed mine can close a shipping lane, halting vital commerce. Even a rumour of mines can drive up insurance premiums. Modern supertankers and cargo ships are worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and post-conflict insurance is far higher. According to Reuters, the mine-clearing campaign in the Strait of Hormuz could continue for weeks after the agreement, because every shipping lane must be searched repeatedly before insurers and shipping companies deem it safe.
