Mines in the Strait of Hormuz: How dangerous are they?

Article excerpt

Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints, to deter independent maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway. The move raises urgent questions about the threat naval mines pose to international commerce and military vessels. DW examines how dangerous these mines actually are, what detection and clearance capabilities exist, and what options are available to manage the threat in a region already marked by escalating tensions between Iran and Western powers.