U.S. intelligence reports Iran has deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz and is allegedly demanding up to $2 million for safe passage.
International Maritime Organization Response
The London-based International Maritime Organization, comprising 176 nations, has received a communication from the Iranian Foreign Ministry stating Tehran has taken “necessary and proportionate measures” to prevent aggressors and their supporters from using the Strait of Hormuz for hostile operations.
Iran’s Extortion Scheme
Tehran asserts that vessels linked to the United States and Israel, along with “other participants in the aggression,” are ineligible for passage. Analysts believe Iran is attempting to extort fees for transit through the vital waterway.
Reports indicate Iran is offering passage through its territorial waters in the Strait in exchange for payments reaching $2 million. The Iranian parliament is reportedly considering legislation to implement permanent taxes and fees for transit through the Ormuz.
Mine Deployment Confirmed
CBS News reported that U.S. intelligence has detected two types of naval mines deployed in the Strait of Hormuz by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Mahan 3 Mine Details
U.S. intelligence indicates Iran has deployed moored, subsurface mines. The Iranian version, known as Mahan 3, is a 300-kg device equipped with acoustic sensors capable of detecting vessels from approximately 3 meters away. Activation is acoustic, rendering hull material irrelevant.
Maham 7 Mine Details
The second type detected, the 220-kg Maham 7, can be deployed from small boats or helicopters. Designed to target smaller vessels like landing craft and patrol boats, it can be deployed in waters 3 to 91 meters deep.
U.S. Countermeasures
The United States is employing a tactic of destroying any Iranian units capable of deploying mines, including barges and motorboats, primarily using Apache helicopters and A-10 close air support aircraft.
Origin of Iranian Mines
CBS News noted the exact number of mines in Iran’s arsenal is unknown, with estimates ranging from 2,000 to 6,000. These include Iranian-made devices, as well as those originating from China and Russia, and potentially even Soviet-era mines.
Trump’s Response
Former President Trump stated, “If Iran has placed any mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and we have no reports of that, we want them removed. IMMEDIATELY!” in response to the U.S. intelligence report.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil and natural gas supplies transit, is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, facilitating control and making even a small minefield a significant threat to global trade.
U.S.-Iran Negotiations
Following the deaths of key Iranian leaders, Donald Trump is attempting to resume negotiations, but it is unclear whether the officials engaging with his envoys represent the entire regime or just a conciliatory faction.
