U.S. officials say Iran may be unable to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic due to difficulties in locating all the mines it has laid, as well as limited capacity to remove them.

According to a New York Times report, the mines are complicating ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States, currently taking place in Pakistan and led by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

The report said Iran used small boats to deploy the mines in the strait last month, shortly after the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel.

It added that the mines, along with Iranian threats of drone and missile attacks, have led to a sharp decline in oil tanker and commercial vessel traffic through the waterway.

These developments have also driven up global energy prices, while giving Iran what is seen as a significant leverage point in the conflict.