US Navy Clears Strait of Hormuz Mines Amid Tensions

US Navy Clears Strait of Hormuz Mines Amid Tensions

The United States Navy has begun clearing potential sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, according to statements from U.S. Central Command. This operation aims to ensure the free flow of commerce through the critical waterway, which has seen reduced traffic due to security concerns.

Naval Operation in Critical Waterway

Two U.S. missile destroyers, the USS The Sullivans and the USS Delbert D. Black, recently conducted a patrol in the Strait of Hormuz. Former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe explained that these ships performed a “freedom of navigation patrol,” entering the strait and then exiting. Sharpe noted that the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, while capable, are not ideal for mine-clearing due to their deep draft and noise. Their deployment suggests U.S. intelligence is confident that either the location of any mines is known or that few, if any, mines are present. This action is seen as a precursor to broader demining operations.

Iran Denies, Traffic Remains Low

Iran has denied that any mine-clearing operations are taking place. However, U.S. officials state that the vessels were easily trackable on maritime traffic systems, indicating the operation was meant to be visible. Sharpe commented that Iran’s denial is incorrect, as the ships’ movements were clear.

Despite the U.S. Navy’s actions, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains critically low. Sharpe indicated that only about 6-7% of pre-war levels of vessels are currently transiting the strait. The risk and insurance metrics required to persuade merchant vessels to use the route have not yet been met. The presence of two U.S. warships is unlikely to significantly alter this situation, as it does not signal to commercial shipping that the strait is now safe.

Preparing for Mine Clearance

U.S. Central Command’s talk of “preparing the conditions” for mine clearance involves shaping operations. These actions demonstrate the Navy’s capability to operate in the area and confirm that key routes are clear. Sharpe believes this suggests confidence that there are not many mines present. The next step involves deploying autonomous mine-hunting equipment to guarantee the straits are clear, moving beyond assumptions to percentage-based guarantees.

Iran’s Mining Capabilities

Iran possesses significant capabilities for laying mines. Sharpe described sophisticated methods where Iran could lay mine patterns and then use fast attack craft to steer enemy vessels into them. This tactic has been practiced for decades, involving harassment and the threat of attack. Iran also has a large number of free-floating, indiscriminate mines that can be deployed from converted fishing boats, which could effectively close the strait.

However, Sharpe believes Iran still wants Chinese and other Asian vessels to continue using the strait. Therefore, it is unlikely they will deploy all their mining capabilities unless absolutely necessary. The current situation suggests Iran still has considerable resources in reserve.

Risk of Miscalculation and Escalation

Navigating the Strait of Hormuz carries a high risk of miscalculation and escalation. Sharpe highlighted that events can unfold and escalate very rapidly. Iranian forces have practiced for such scenarios, often using fast attack boats to swarm vessels. To counter this, extensive air cover is necessary to spot and suppress threats. The U.S. warships involved in the recent patrol would have been at the highest state of readiness, with all systems active and weapons ready.

Precedent and Global Trade Implications

The most significant concern regarding Iran potentially controlling the Strait of Hormuz like a “tollbooth” is the precedent it sets. Sharpe emphasized that critical choke points worldwide are interconnected. If one nation can impose tolls or control passage, it could lead to a global “free-for-all.” This could restrict international trade indefinitely, impacting not only oil and gas but also other commodities.

Sharpe compared this to man-made canals like Suez or Panama, which have established rules. The Strait of Hormuz, however, is a natural seaway with long-standing principles of free passage. Undermining these rules could destabilize global maritime trade. While market impacts like oil prices might stabilize over time, the damage to the principle of free passage would be long-lasting and detrimental to global commerce.

Cooperation with France on Dark Fleet

In a related matter, reports suggest the Royal Navy might seek French assistance in patrolling British waters due to a shortage of ships, particularly concerning the “dark fleet” (unregulated vessels). Sharpe clarified that this is not about France patrolling British waters but rather about cooperation on boarding operations. The Royal Navy is stretched thin across global commitments, including the Mediterranean, Hormuz, and the North Atlantic.

Cooperating with France is seen as essential for tackling the dark fleet issue, especially as many suspicious vessels transiting the English Channel are on the French side of the median line. While cooperation is positive, Sharpe noted that the need for such collaboration due to a lack of domestic resources is a negative sign for the UK’s naval strength.

Source: Iran Having ‘Tollbooth’ In Strait Of Hormuz Would Create ‘Free-For-All’ | Tom Sharpe (YouTube)