Kamal Ghorui
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a critical chokepoint throughout the conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel. US President Donald Trump has warned several times that if Tehran does not open the strategic waterway to full and safe traffic, it could face severe consequences.The Strait, a narrow passage lying between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman has remained a point of contention as it carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply and serves as a vital artery for global trade.It is also a key route for liquefied natural gas and other essential commodities, making any disruption a matter of global concern.
Why is Iran unable to fully reopen the Strait?
Iran’s inability to restore normal shipping traffic is primarily due to the naval mines it deployed during the early phase of the conflict. According to US officials, many of these mines cannot now be located. They were laid using small boats by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the New York Times reported. Some of these mines may have drifted due to sea currents, further increasing uncertainty. This means large parts of the waterway remain unsafe, as even a single undetected mine can severely damage a vessel. As a result, shipping companies are unwilling to resume normal operations without verified safe routes.
Technical limits and security concerns
Removing sea mines is far more difficult than placing them. The process requires specialised equipment and trained personnel and it must be carried out slowly to avoid accidents. Iran currently lacks the capacity to carry out large-scale mine-clearing operations within a short time frame.The situation is further complicated by continued security risks. There are concerns over possible drone or missile attacks, as well as the presence of small boats that can be used to disrupt shipping. Even after damage to its naval assets, Iran retains the ability to create uncertainty in the waterway, making full reopening difficult.
Strategic pressure and negotiations
The issue has also become central to ongoing diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire conditions highlighted by Trump call for a “complete, immediate, and safe” reopening of the strait. However, Iran has indicated that any reopening will be subject to ‘technical limitations,’ a point raised by foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.Talks involving US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian officials are expected to address how safe passage can be restored. At the same time, Iran has proposed measures such as transit fees and controlled routes, which the United States has rejected, calling the strait an international waterway.These overlapping challenges have delayed the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Until safe navigation can be guaranteed, the waterway is likely to operate below normal capacity, with continued impact on global energy flows.
Trump rejects Iran’s toll plan
Amid the crisis, Trump has strongly opposed Iran’s reported proposal to impose transit fees on ships passing through the strait. Speaking to reporters on Saturday (local time), he said that the United States would not allow any such move, stressing that the waterway is an international route.“No, we’re not going to allow that, it’s international water. If they’re doing that, we’re not going to let that happen,” Trump said, dismissing the possibility of permitting tolls.He also criticised Tehran for attempting to use the strait as leverage in negotiations, saying that such actions amount to short-term pressure on global trade.
