Washington
The United States Navy is accelerating the use of artificial intelligence to detect and neutralize Iranian naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to threaten global trade and energy supplies.
Amid ongoing instability involving Iran, the United States is stepping up technological efforts to secure one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage through which a significant portion of global oil shipments flows, has been at the center of a geopolitical standoff that has disrupted international markets.
President Donald Trump recently stated that U.S. naval forces are actively clearing Iranian mines from the waterway, though experts warn the process could take months due to the complexity of underwater mine detection. The situation persists despite a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran following weeks of conflict.
To speed up operations, the Navy has awarded a contract worth up to $99.7 million to Domino Data Lab, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence firm. The contract is part of the Navy’s broader initiative known as Project AMMO, which aims to modernize mine detection capabilities using advanced machine learning tools.
The new AI platform is designed to train unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to identify and classify naval mines more efficiently. By integrating data from multiple sensors—including sonar and visual imaging systems—the software allows real-time monitoring of detection accuracy and enables rapid updates to improve performance in the field.
According to Domino Data Lab’s Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Robinson, the initiative marks a shift in naval operations. Mine-hunting used to be a job for ships; it is becoming a job for AI, he said, emphasizing the importance of speed and adaptability in high-risk environments.
Previously, updating AI systems to recognize new or unfamiliar mine types could take up to six months. With the new platform, that timeframe has reportedly been reduced to just a few days. This rapid turnaround is expected to enhance the Navy’s responsiveness, particularly in dynamic conflict zones where threats evolve quickly.
The deployment of AI-driven mine detection highlights a broader trend toward automation in modern warfare, as military forces seek to reduce risks to personnel while improving operational efficiency. As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue, the success of such technologies may play a crucial role in safeguarding global shipping routes and stabilizing energy markets.
