The U.S. Navy has turned to an artificial intelligence firm to help clear mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. Traffic through the strait has ground to a near halt since late February, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran and Tehran retaliated by threatening to attack ships and planting mines along the busiest shipping lanes.
A senior Defense Department official said clearing the mines could take up to six months. The AI company, Domino, is using machine learning algorithms to analyze sonar data and distinguish between actual mines and debris, significantly speeding up the detection process. In tests, the system has identified mines with over 95% accuracy, according to a Navy spokesperson.
"This technology allows us to clear a path faster and with less risk to personnel," said Commander Lisa Tran, head of the Navy's mine warfare division. "Every day the strait remains blocked costs the global economy billions."
Iran has denied laying mines, but satellite imagery and naval reconnaissance have confirmed their presence. The U.S. Central Command said it is committed to reopening the strait as soon as safely possible.