The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) said on Friday that about 80 mines are believed to remain in the Traffic Separation Scheme - the central shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz that historically has handled heavy commercial traffic.
The conflict involving Iran led to the creation of two alternative paths for ships passing through the strait. One of those routes runs close to Oman's shoreline and is being coordinated by the United States. A separate channel, controlled by Tehran, runs closer to Iran's coast. The central corridor - the Traffic Separation Scheme - is the area the IMO has identified as likely containing explosive devices.
The discovery of mines in the central corridor has heightened anxiety among shipowners and crews responsible for moving oil, liquefied gas and other commodities from the Gulf to global markets. Industry representatives have urged authorities to reopen the historic channel to restore normal transit patterns, a move that has been made more urgent by the recent interim US-Iran peace agreement.
Under the terms of that interim deal, Iran is charged with removing the mines. The IMO and shipping groups have cautioned that the technical process of clearing mines is expected to take weeks, delaying any full reopening of the traditional lane.
Complicating operational planning, Iranian statements have varied - at times saying vessels may transit freely and at other times indicating ships must secure Tehran's authorization to pass. Those alternating positions add another layer of uncertainty for vessel operators and charterers.
Adding to industry concern, one vessel was attacked on the Omani route on Thursday, an event that prompted other ships to abort or turn back. That incident was significant enough for the IMO to cancel planned evacuations of freighters that have been anchored inside the Persian Gulf for months.
Despite the threats and clearance challenges, the interim peace accord has helped restore exports from the region to roughly 80% of pre-war volumes in recent days. Observers reported more tankers departing the Persian Gulf on Friday, suggesting a partial resumption of flows even as the central corridor remains hazardous.
Other developments cited by maritime authorities include a report last week from Pakistan of a mine detected near Oman. Meanwhile, the US navy has previously stated that the southern route - the path along Oman's coast - is free of mines. In early June, the United Kingdom and France worked on plans to lead a multinational mine-clearing effort in the strait.
As clearance operations proceed, the shipping community faces a period of constrained options and elevated operational risk while authorities work to neutralize remaining explosives and re-establish the historical Traffic Separation Scheme.