Intertanko reported that roughly 80 naval mines are still present in the primary shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. CEO Philip Belcher confirmed that the main channel is closed and hazardous due to the mines, forcing traffic onto narrower northern and southern passages that pass through Iranian and Omani waters. The Omani southern route is riskier because of nearby rocks, while concentrating vessels in the tight straits raises the likelihood of collisions.