Exposing Iran's Dangerous Gulf Mines: A Tense History
Uncover the decades-long story of Iran's use of naval mines to threaten Persian Gulf shipping and the ongoing efforts to counter this maritime threat.
Iran's strategic location and naval capabilities have long made it a source of concern for international shipping in the Persian Gulf. One of Iran's most potent weapons in this region has been its use of naval mines, which have posed a persistent threat to commercial and military vessels for decades.
The history of Iran's naval mine warfare dates back to the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq War. In 1987, the supertanker S.S. Bridgeton, escorted by the U.S.S. Standley, struck a mine off Dubai, marking a turning point in the conflict. This incident highlighted Iran's willingness to use these indiscriminate weapons to disrupt vital shipping routes and international trade.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The New York Times
