How sea mines threaten global trade, and how navies detect them

The Iranian government uses the threat of sea mines to control access to the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea lane that is vital to the global economy.

By: John Femiani, Miami University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 30, 2026

Words: 1,087

Last Updated: 4 months ago

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By John Femiani, Miami University

U.S. intelligence officials have assessed that Iranian forces have deployed a small number of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for global shipping, according to reports. The move gives the Iranians a means, along with missiles and drones, of threatening ships.

The U.S. Navy recently decommissioned the minesweeping vessels that it had operating in the Persian Gulf region. However, it has other ships and …

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