Iran's sea mines have emerged as one of its most powerful weapons, capable of wreaking havoc on the global economy. The U.S. has reported that Iran has laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway that carries 20% of the world's oil exports.
The mines, including the Maham 1, are designed to float in shallow water and can detonate up to 120 kilograms of explosives when struck. Iran has also been using frogmen on small boats to set mines, making it difficult for the U.S. to identify and eliminate them.
The U.S. military has destroyed Iranian naval vessels designed for setting mines, but Iran's arsenal of limpet mines and sea mines remains a significant threat. The primary objective of Iran's mine-laying is to disrupt shipping and the global economy, rather than causing damage to individual ships.
The U.S. is considering organizing escorts by navy ships to protect commercial vessels, but detecting mines will be a key part of any escort mission. The Navy has also developed mine-countermeasure equipment, including robot minehunting capabilities, to counter the threat.
