Big Take Reopening the Strait of Hormuz Is Going to Take Awhile
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Mar 19, 2026 Gerry Doyle, Bloomberg’s global defense editor who specializes in naval and military affairs, breaks down the Iran mine threat. He explains how mines, small boats, missiles and insurance fears can paralyze the Strait of Hormuz. He covers mine-detection and clearing tools, the risks of clearing under fire, and how long reopening shipping lanes might take.
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Possible Mines Make Hormuz Impassable
- The mere possibility of mines in the Strait of Hormuz effectively halts tanker traffic because operators must assume a minefield until proven clear.
- Gerry Doyle explains proving the negative requires painstaking clearance work, making transit impossible without extensive verification.
Iran's Speedboats Remain Dangerous
- Gerry Doyle recounts Iran's remaining naval assets are mostly small speedboats that can covertly deploy mines or missiles in the strait.
- He notes larger Iranian ships are sunk or damaged, but speedboats easily navigate narrow waters and carry anti-ship threats.
Require Clear Assurances Before Transit
- Operators need clear assurances either from Iran or from foreign navies that specific transit lanes are safe before ships will pass the strait.
- Gerry Doyle says shipping firms, captains, or insurers require explicit guarantees or cleared corridors to accept the risk.