Pentagon: Clearing Mines in the Strait of Hormuz May Take 6 Months

On April 23, the Pentagon notified Congress that completely clearing the mines laid by the Iranian military in the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, and any such action is unlikely to occur before the end of the war between the U.S. and Iran. This assessment suggests that the economic impacts of the conflict may extend into later this year or beyond. It was revealed that a senior Defense Department official shared this previously unreported estimate during a confidential briefing with members of the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. Two individuals indicated that this timeline frustrated both Democrats and Republicans, possibly signaling that even after any peace agreement is reached, gasoline and oil prices may remain elevated for an extended period. Beyond the economic implications, such an outcome could also have significant effects on U.S. domestic politics, particularly for Republicans, as the November midterm elections approach. Lawmakers were informed that Iran may have laid 20 or more mines in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas. Some of these mines were reportedly laid remotely using GPS technology, making it difficult for U.S. forces to detect them. It is believed that other mines were laid by the Iranian military using small boats. The White House and the Pentagon did not respond to inquiries regarding the military’s assessment of how long mine clearance might take. U.S. Central Command declined to comment.