The escalation of tension between the United States and Iran has once again placed an old but still strategic type of weaponry at the center of the military debate: naval mines.
The issue gained prominence after American President Donald Trump stated that Iranian forces could be placing explosives of this type in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes in the global oil trade.
The region is considered a critical point in the global energy system. Around 20% of the oil traded on the planet passes daily through the strait, located between Iranian territory and the Arabian Peninsula.
After the conflict began on February 28, Iran threatened to block the passage and attack vessels that tried to cross the region. The movement reduced maritime traffic and put pressure on commodity prices, with a barrel approaching US$120 at the beginning of the week.
How naval mines work
Naval mines are explosives placed at sea to target military or commercial vessels. They can remain submerged, attached to the ocean floor or anchored at certain depths, depending on the model. In some cases, they can also become adrift.
The simplest systems detonate when they come into direct contact with a ship’s hull. The most modern versions are equipped with sensors capable of detecting changes in the vessel’s magnetic field, changes in water pressure or engine noise.
Continues after advertising
When activated, these mines cause explosions close to the ship’s structure, which can cause significant damage and compromise navigation.
Even if they are used against vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, experts point out that a single mine would hardly be capable of sinking a large oil tanker.
Still, the impact could cause significant structural damage, disrupt trade routes and generate significant effects on the global energy market.
The use of this type of weapon is also regulated by international law. The 1907 Hague Convention establishes limits on the use of sea mines, prohibiting the installation of contact explosives near ports or coastal areas with the aim of blocking commercial navigation.
Arsenal iraniano
Estimates indicate that Iran has between 2,000 and 6,000 naval mines in its arsenal. According to analyzes by the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, at the University of Texas, the country operates a combination of models of Soviet and Western origin and also of its own manufacture.
Among the most advanced equipment would be the EM-52 mine, of Chinese origin. Unlike conventional mines, this model remains on the seabed and fires a projectile towards the vessel when it detects its passage.
Continues after advertising
Despite the sophistication of the equipment, the study points out that Iran’s ability to install mines of this type on a large scale is limited. The country would only have three submarines capable of launching the system. Therefore, in a conflict scenario, the most likely would be to use smaller vessels to spread simpler models.
History in the region
The Strait of Hormuz has been the scene of this type of military operation in the past. During the final phase of the war between Iran and Iraq, in the 1980s, naval mines were spread in the region as part of the strategy to target enemy vessels.
Remembering this episode helps explain the current concern of military powers with any sign of mining in the region’s waters.
Continues after advertising
Tension increased following statements by President Donald Trump. In a publication on the Truth Social network, the American leader demanded that Iran stop installing mines in the sea route or immediately remove any explosives placed in the region.
“If, for any reason, mines are laid and are not removed immediately, the military consequences for Iran will be of an unprecedented magnitude,” he said.
Trump also said the United States was monitoring the area and that vessels used to spread mines would be destroyed.
Continues after advertising
Shortly after, United States Central Command (Centcom) reported attacking several Iranian vessels on Tuesday. According to the statement, 16 boats that were being used to transport naval mines were hit.
The day before, the American president even stated that he was evaluating the possibility of taking control of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to destroy Iran if the country interfered in the transport of oil through the region.
