Iran Mulls European-Led Demining in the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries a large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas, has been mined amid more than five months of fighting between Iran and the United States. Iran has publicly insisted that only its own forces should handle mine clearance, but recent private meetings suggest a possible softening of that stance. The de-mining issue has become a focal point for broader diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the hostilities.

Bloomberg

Qatar and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on Tuesday that a deal concerning the strait is close to fruition. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, writing on X in June, reiterated that de-mining is an exclusively Iranian task, underscoring internal resistance. Some members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) share that view, arguing that Iran must retain control over the clearance operation. President Donald Trump, speaking on Monday, warned that Iran has a “last chance” to reach an agreement and threatened to resume airstrikes if talks stall. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged the United Kingdom and France to convene an international conference on Hormuz shipping, though officials say such a meeting will likely be postponed until a durable ceasefire is in place.

Bloomberg

If European nations were permitted to assist with mine removal, shipping and insurance firms would gain third-party assurance of safety, potentially reviving energy flows through the strait. However, any de-mining mission would require Iran to provide security guarantees for foreign vessels and to secure IRGC assent, both of which remain uncertain. Iran also seeks control over the waterway and the right to collect usage fees, a demand the United States opposes.

Bloomberg

Sources say a draft agreement between Washington and Tehran is circulating, with Qatar acting as mediator. A senior official suggested that a Hormuz-related accord could be announced as early as Tuesday. Parallel talks between Iran and Oman are focusing on establishing a new central channel through the strait, though the route is believed to be mined, making subsequent clearance work essential.

Bloomberg