US report: Strait of Hormuz cannot reopen without mine clearance

TEHRAN, Iran — A US assessment published by the New York Post concludes that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz cannot return to normal until mines laid during the latest US-Iran confrontation are cleared. The report identifies the absence of mine-clearing operations in the waterway, one of the most critical points in the global energy supply chain, as the central obstacle to resuming ordinary navigation. Maritime officials interviewed by the newspaper warned that allowing Iran to collect transit fees from vessels passing through the strait would impose heavy costs on the global economy. The same officials said insurers worldwide have rejected Tehran's demand that ships register with Iranian authorities before passing through. Shipping data shows that at least 20 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, following a period of relative calm after initial US-Iran talks. The report also noted that the threat in the strait extends beyond mines, with both surface and underwater military assets still present in the area.