Iran considers European role in clearing Hormuz mines

Iran is considering allowing European countries to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a possible compromise that could help restore commercial shipping and advance negotiations to halt the wider conflict.

The proposal would mark a shift from Tehran’s opposition to any foreign military presence in the waterway. France, Belgium and the Netherlands are among the European countries with specialist mine-countermeasure vessels and trained crews capable of supporting a large clearance operation.

Any European mission would probably be limited to removing explosives, surveying shipping lanes and supporting safe navigation. Tehran remains resistant to foreign forces policing the strait or assuming permanent control over maritime security.

Discussions are unfolding alongside talks involving Iran, Oman and the United States over a temporary shipping arrangement. The plan under consideration would allow vessels entering the Gulf to use a route overseen by Iran, while ships leaving would pass through waters controlled by Oman.

Iran has also sought advance notification of outbound movements and the right to intervene when it identifies a security threat. That demand remains contentious because Washington and European governments regard the strait as an international waterway where commercial vessels must enjoy uninterrupted passage.

Tehran had earlier pressed for broader control over traffic in both directions and proposed collecting service charges from ships. The United States rejected any system resembling compulsory transit fees, arguing that Iran should not be allowed to profit from disruption caused by mines and attacks.

The Strait of Hormuz has been severely restricted since the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began in February. Ship movements have fallen from about 130 to 140 daily transits before the fighting to fewer than 10 on some days.

Eight vessels, including five tankers and three bulk carriers, crossed the waterway on Tuesday. The limited traffic indicates that some operators are prepared to accept the risks, although the actual total may be higher because ships sometimes deactivate tracking equipment in dangerous waters.

The strait carries roughly a fifth of global oil supplies and is also a major route for liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar. Prolonged disruption has raised freight rates, insurance costs and fuel prices, while forcing importers to draw down inventories and explore alternative supply routes.

Oil prices fell as expectations grew that an agreement could be reached. Brent crude dropped below $80 a barrel during trading, while West Texas Intermediate declined towards $75. Financial markets also rose after US officials indicated that progress had been made in the negotiations.

Mine clearance remains one of the most difficult elements of any reopening plan. Naval mines may drift, break free from their anchors or remain hidden beneath busy shipping lanes. A complete operation would require detailed information about where the weapons were deployed, the types used and whether their positions have changed.

Iranian cooperation would therefore be essential. European crews would need access to deployment records, secure operating zones and guarantees that no additional mines would be laid during the operation. Shipowners and insurers would also require credible verification before treating the strait as safe.

The European Union has examined using its Aspides naval mission, which was established to protect commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea. A Franco-British initiative has proposed assigning European forces a leading role in demining Hormuz once political and security conditions permit.

European governments have been cautious about deploying ships while hostilities continue. Minehunters are designed for specialist operations rather than protection from missiles, drones or fast attack craft. Clearing the waterway under fire would expose crews to considerable danger and could draw participating countries directly into the conflict.

Oman has emerged as the central intermediary because it shares the strait with Iran and maintains working relations with Tehran and Washington. Muscat is seeking an arrangement that restores navigation without weakening its sovereignty or establishing permanent Iranian authority over shipping.

Qatar and Pakistan are also supporting diplomatic contacts. Negotiators are examining a provisional framework that could reopen selected lanes while disputes over transit management, fees and security guarantees are discussed over a longer period.

Iran says its discussions are formally with Oman, despite US statements suggesting that indirect contact with Tehran is producing results. The difference reflects continuing political sensitivity inside Iran, where hardline factions oppose concessions and distrust American commitments.