Shipping through Strait of Hormuz still blocked by mine-clearing delays

Reporting on Friday said normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has not resumed because mine-clearing work remains unfinished, even after a ceasefire and reopening deal allowed some vessels to move again.

The Strait is one of the world’s most important chokepoints for oil shipments. But the latest coverage from multiple outlets says the route is still only partially open while crews work through hazards left behind in the waterway.

The Guardian reported that about 80 naval mines still need to be cleared before traffic can return to normal. It said the central traffic separation scheme used by ships transiting the strait remains blocked.

The report also said roughly 600 vessels were still affected, with ships described as stranded in the Gulf since February. That leaves ship operators, insurers and energy markets facing uncertainty over when the route will fully normalize.

Why the route is still not normal

The latest reporting describes a limited reopening under a U.S.-Iran agreement, not a full restoration of traffic. Some vessel movement has resumed, but the route has not returned to regular volumes.

The Wall Street Journal said the reopening still depends on mine clearance and infrastructure recovery before the Strait can fully recover. Financial Times reporting said the agreement includes a 60-day period in which mines will be cleared and Iran cannot charge fees.

That means the diplomatic deal created the conditions for reopening, but the operational reality on the water is slower. The bottleneck is now physical and navigational rather than political.

The Guardian’s account said the mines are still blocking the main traffic separation scheme, the lane system ships use to pass through the narrow corridor. That adds to the risk for vessels trying to re-enter the route in larger numbers.

Market and shipping stakes

The Strait of Hormuz carries a major share of global oil shipments, so even partial disruption can affect oil prices, freight rates and insurance costs.

Shipping companies and insurers have been cautious because the corridor is narrow, crowded and still viewed as risky. The lingering mine threat raises the chance of accidents as traffic begins to return.

Industry uncertainty is also being shaped by governance questions. Reporting says Iran has announced plans to begin charging maritime fees for ships passing through the Strait after two months, adding another layer of concern for carriers.

The fee plan matters because it could affect the economics of using the route even after physical clearance improves. It also raises questions about how the reopened corridor will be managed once the grace period ends.

What to watch next

The main question is how quickly clearance work can progress and when normal transit volumes might return. That remains the bottleneck to a full reopening.

Another open issue is whether Iran will proceed with the reported fee regime after the grace period. Shipping groups are also watching for further statements from industry bodies such as INTERTANKO and for any formal confirmation from U.S. or Iranian officials on the agreement terms.

For now, the Strait appears to be moving again, but not normally. The latest reports suggest the chokepoint will remain constrained until the remaining mines are removed and carriers regain confidence in the route.