Americans track Iranian mines, Tehran sets transit rules

According to U.S. intelligence, Iran is deploying mines in the Ormuz Strait floating anchored just below the surface of the water. 1 kind is the Iranian Mahan 3 mine weighing 300 kg, equipped with acoustic sensors that detect the presence of the ship at a distance of about 3 meters, regardless of the material from which the hull of the unit is made. The second type, identified by Americans, is simply a 220-kg denny Maham 7, mine that can be deployed from tiny boats or helicopters. It is designed to attack smaller units specified as landing barges or patrol vessels, and can be utilized in waters between 3 and 91 meters deep.

In consequence to specified threats, the United States uses a strategy to destruct all Iranian units capable of deploying mines. Apache helicopters and A-10 support aircraft are primarily utilized for this purpose.

CBS indicated that there was no data on the full number of marine mines in Iran's possession, but earlier estimates indicated a scope of 2 to 6 thousand.

Suitable for passing through Ormuz

At the same time Iran officially informed members of the global Maritime Organisation (IMO) that ships that will not be considered hostile, may flow through the Strait of Ormuz, subject to prior transit arrangements with the authorities in Tehran. In a letter addressed to 176 IMO associate States, the Iranian Ministry of abroad Affairs reported that Tehran took the essential and proportionate action to prevent aggressors and their supporters from utilizing the Ormuz Strait to conduct hostile operations. The case has been reported Financial Times.

In practice, this means that individuals associated with the United States and Israel will not be free to cross this strategical waterway. Experts indicate that Iran's activities have a financial dimension to accomplish concrete economical benefits.

Numerous reports confirm that Iran offers to cross its territorial waters in the Strait in exchange for an amount of up to $2 million. This is an extortion attempt, and tankers are willing to pay. – rated Natalie Klein from the American think-tank Defence of Democrats.