Afghanistan, April 11 -- Iran cannot quickly reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to difficulties clearing naval mines, raising risks for global energy flows and ongoing tensions.
Iran is unable to rapidly reopen the Strait of Hormuz because it cannot locate and clear all naval mines deployed in the vital waterway, according to US officials cited by The New York Times. The constraint has heightened concerns over prolonged disruption to one of the world's most critical oil transit routes.
Officials say Tehran laid the mines last month using small boats following the outbreak of conflict with the United States and Israel, in an effort to restrict maritime traffic and increase pressure on its adversaries. The mining campaign, combined with threat...