Efforts to fully restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue to face a major obstacle after the International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimated that around 80 naval mines remain scattered across the waterway’s traditional shipping corridor.

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The estimate highlights the scale of the challenge facing authorities as they work to reopen one of the world’s busiest energy trade routes following months of conflict between the United States and Iran.

During the crisis, commercial traffic was diverted away from the Strait’s main Traffic Separation Scheme—the internationally recognized shipping lane—after concerns emerged that explosive devices had been laid along the route.

Instead, two temporary transit corridors were established. One route, coordinated by the United States, follows the Omani coastline, while the second operates closer to Iranian waters under Tehran’s supervision.

Although an interim peace agreement between Washington and Tehran has raised hopes for a return to normal shipping operations, maritime experts say clearing the mines from the central channel will be a complex task that could take several weeks before the route can safely reopen.

Under the terms of the agreement, Iran is expected to oversee mine-clearing operations. However, uncertainty remains over the progress of those efforts, with Tehran sending mixed signals over vessel movements—at times stating that commercial ships may transit freely, while at other times insisting vessels receive prior authorization.

Fresh security concerns emerged this week after a commercial vessel reportedly came under attack while using the southern Omani transit route. The incident prompted several ships to reverse course and led the IMO to suspend plans to escort merchant vessels that have remained stranded inside the Persian Gulf since the conflict escalated.

Despite the ongoing risks, tanker activity has gradually increased following the ceasefire announcement. Industry tracking data indicates that crude exports from Gulf producers have recovered to roughly 80 percent of pre-conflict levels, with more tankers departing regional terminals in recent days.

Even so, leading shipping organizations are urging caution.

INTERTANKO, the international association representing tanker owners, continues to advise ship operators to postpone voyages through the Strait of Hormuz until security conditions become more predictable. The organization also expressed concerns about vessels using the Iranian-controlled transit route, saying several operational and navigational issues remain unresolved.

Maritime officials stress that restoring confidence among shipowners, insurers, and crews will require more than political agreements. Safe navigation, reliable security assurances, and successful mine-clearing operations will all be critical before the Strait can return to normal commercial operations.

Meanwhile, Pakistan, which is responsible for issuing navigational warnings in the area, recently reported the discovery of a suspected naval mine near the Omani coast. Although the U.S. Navy has previously maintained that the southern shipping corridor remains clear, the latest reports have reinforced concerns over lingering hazards.

In response to the continuing threat, the United Kingdom and France are preparing to lead a multinational mine-clearance operation aimed at removing explosives from the Strait and accelerating the restoration of one of the world’s most strategically important maritime gateways.

For now, shipping companies remain cautious, with many choosing to wait for stronger security guarantees before fully resuming operations through the region.