Authorities said on Friday (April 10, 2026) that Iran had lost control of the mines installed in the country. According to the newspaper, the country does not have the technical capacity to locate nor the resources to remove the explosives from the sea.
According to authorities, in March Iran used small boats to lay the mines. The United States was unable to monitor most of these operations. Therefore, there is still no clarity on the quantity or exact location of the explosives in the strait.
The report indicates that the mines were positioned irregularly, and part of the devices may have moved from their original position. Furthermore, there are indications that Iran itself did not correctly register the installation points, which makes any attempt at control or removal difficult.
The installation of the mines was carried out after the start of the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel. The measure practically stopped maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, responsible for around 20% of the global oil flow. Some vessels remain authorized to pass with Iranian approval.
The scenario affects ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by the Pakistan. The United States defends the immediate reopening of the route. The impasse maintains pressure on energy prices and increases global economic impacts.
