24.03.2026 00:05
U.S. intelligence claimed that at least 12 Iranian-made underwater mines equipped with three-axis sensors, which do not require physical contact, have been detected in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, denying the claims of the presence of smart mines that are extremely difficult to detect at the most critical point of global energy trade, which is effectively closed to transit, responded by saying, "The region is already under our control; we do not need mines."
U.S. intelligence claimed that mines have been detected in the Strait of Hormuz.
AT LEAST 12 UNDERWATER MINES Reports based on unnamed senior U.S. officials by U.S. media stated that U.S. intelligence has detected at least 12 underwater mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The reports indicated that the mines placed by Iran in the strait are Iranian-made Maham 3 and Maham 7 Limpet mines.
DETECTING NEAR OBJECTS WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT Maham 3 is known as a moored type sea mine that detects nearby objects without requiring physical contact through magnetic and acoustic sensors. Maham 7, which was introduced to the public for the first time at a weapons fair in 2015, is a mine that is extremely difficult to detect and is also known as a "sticky mine." The high-explosive mine, which is placed on the seabed, detects nearby ships using a combination of acoustic and three-axis magnetic sensors.
IRAN DENIED: WE DO NOT NEED IT On the other hand, Colonel Ibrahim Zulfikari, spokesperson for the Hatem al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, denied the allegations, stating that they completely control the Oman Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, and therefore do not need to lay mines in the Persian Gulf. Zulfikari also added that they would utilize all available means if necessary.
“COORDINATION WITH IRAN” CONDITION FOR TRANSIT In a statement made yesterday by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was expressed that the passage of non-war countries through the Strait of Hormuz would only be possible in coordination with Iran. The statement pointed out that the U.S. and Israel are responsible for the security risks that may arise in the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized that military attacks must be terminated to ensure lasting security in the region.
IMPORTANCE OF THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Oman Sea, is 33 kilometers wide and stands out as one of the most strategic waterways among the world's maritime passages. A significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through this narrow passage.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data for 2025, more than 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products pass through the Strait of Hormuz daily. This amount corresponds to approximately 20% of global liquid oil consumption. Similarly, data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that one-fifth of global oil trade occurs through this route.
THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ HAS BEEN DE FACTO CLOSED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR While the negotiation process continues between Iran and the U.S., the conflict spread to the region following the attacks initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Iran has carried out attacks not only against Israel but also against U.S. bases and targets in the region. Additionally, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has effectively blocked commercial ship passages through the Strait of Hormuz. The Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships via VHF radio broadcasts that "No ship can pass" and "Passage is not allowed."
The official of the European Union's Aspides naval mission confirmed that these messages came from the IRGC. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced that there was no official closure notification. The Iranian side also did not declare an official full closure. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Al Jazeera, "At this stage, we have no intention of closing the strait or preventing navigation." In response, the Iranian Armed Forces struck a tanker named Skylight off the coast of Oman in the Strait for "not paying attention to warnings," causing the tanker to begin sinking.
According to "MarineTraffic," which monitors global maritime traffic, traffic in the Strait has decreased by 40-70%. More than 150-250 tankers (crude oil, LNG, products) have anchored, turned back, or are waiting in open waters. International insurance companies have announced policy cancellations or premium increases due to the risk. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has also led to an increase in oil prices.
Source: AA / İHA