The US-Iran peace deal has brought hope for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but maritime experts warn that full recovery may take weeks. The presence of naval mines and uncertainty over their clearance are major concerns.
Industry officials and maritime security specialists believe commercial traffic through the waterway could remain restricted for several weeks. Clearing the strait and establishing safe navigation routes could take between 40 and 50 days, according to Western maritime security sources.
The Strait of Hormuz handled around 20 per cent of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply before the conflict. Even a small number of mines can pose a significant threat to large commercial vessels carrying valuable cargo.
Shipping companies want guarantees before returning to the route, citing the risk of mines and the devastating consequences of a single mine.
Maritime traffic remains far below normal levels, with only around 12 to 15 vessels passing through the corridor each day in recent weeks. The full normalcy of the route is expected to return once security concerns are addressed and navigation routes are certified as safe.
