Iran publishes chart suggesting it may have placed sea mines during war

09/04/2026

Iran publishes chart suggesting it may have placed sea mines during war

TEHRAN (AP), Apr 9: Iranian media have published a chart suggesting that sea mines may have been deployed in the Strait of Hormuz during the recent conflict, raising fresh concerns over maritime security.

Reports by semi-official outlets, including ISNA and Tasnim News Agency, indicated that Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may have placed mines along key shipping routes in the strait.

The published chart marked a “danger zone” over the main Traffic Separation Scheme used by commercial vessels, suggesting ships navigate closer to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island—a route some vessels reportedly followed during the war.

The timeline shown on the chart spans from February 28 to April 9, though it remains unclear whether any alleged mines have since been cleared.

The development comes amid a fragile two-week ceasefire involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with potential negotiations expected in Islamabad.

Analysts suggest the move could be intended as a pressure tactic, underscoring ongoing tensions despite the temporary halt in hostilities.