Removing any mines will be critical to regain the confidence of commercial vessels that use the vital waterway to deliver oil and other products.

Sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz are slowing US operations and threatening global oil flows, showing how low-cost weapons can disrupt major trade routes.

Instead of separate tech to spot mines and subs, the Navy is exploring the convenience of having one sonar that allows a single helicopter to do both.

Despite the danger of sea mines, experts say that mine clearing has received minimal attention and funding from the U.S. Navy — and it's often overshadowed by more high-profile weapons systems.

President Donald Trump said the strait is open, but Germany’s mine‑clearing skills may still be needed to fully restore shipping.

U.S. intelligence officials have assessed that Iranian forces have deployed a small number of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical choke point for global shipping, according to reports. The move gives the Iranians a means,

Shippers should continue to avoid the Strait of Hormuz because of the risk of sea mines, said a top maritime official, despite statements by Iran and President Trump that the waterway is now fully open.