A report by the United States Congress estimates that Iran possesses between 5,000 and 6,000 naval mines, a stockpile that could allow it to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world. According to the report, Iran’s naval mine arsenal includes several different types designed for various military and maritime scenarios. One type is the limpet mine, which is usually attached directly to the hull of a ship by divers or special-operations forces. These mines can be set to explode after a delay or be triggered remotely, making them useful for covert attacks on vessels.
Another type is the moored mine, which is anchored to the seabed with a cable but floats below the surface of the water. When a ship passes and makes contact with the mine, it detonates, potentially causing severe damage or sinking the vessel. These mines are especially dangerous in narrow shipping channels where vessels have limited room to maneuver. The report also notes the presence of bottom mines, which rest directly on the ocean floor. Unlike contact mines, these devices can detect the magnetic, acoustic, or pressure signatures produced by passing ships and explode when those signals are detected.
U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran has already begun placing a limited number of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, though officials believe the activity remains restricted for now. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Tehran to immediately remove any mines from the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy markets, with a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments passing through the narrow passage each day.
