WASHINGTON — Iran is unable to locate or remove all of the naval mines it deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating efforts to reopen the critical waterway, according to a report published Friday.Citing anonymous US officials, The New York Times reported that Tehran’s inability to track and clear the mines is limiting its capacity to fully restore maritime traffic through the strategic chokepoint.Iran reportedly used small vessels to lay the mines in March, shortly after the United States and Israel launched strikes across the country on Feb. 28.The mines, along with missile and drone attacks targeting vessels, have effectively disrupted shipping through the strait, sending global energy prices higher.US officials said Iran has since identified certain routes it believes to be safe, but described the mine-laying effort as “haphazard,” making it difficult to establish additional secure transit corridors.Some mines may have drifted from their original positions, while others were not properly recorded when deployed, further complicating clearance operations, the report said.The developments come less than 24 hours before Iran and the United States are set to hold critical talks in Pakistan aimed at reaching a permanent end to the conflict.US President Donald Trump earlier announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran and has expressed optimism about the prospects of ending the war.
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