Clearing Strait of Hormuz of mines could take six months, Pentagon tells Congress

The Pentagon has informed Congress in a classified briefing that it could take six months to fully clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines deployed by the Iranian military.

Any such demining operation is unlikely to be carried out until the U.S. war with Iran ends. This assessment suggests gasoline and oil prices could remain elevated through the midterm elections. The Pentagon warning means the conflict’s economic impact could extend late into this year or beyond.

The disclosure exposes the critical chokepoint vulnerability Iran has imposed. Iranian forces laid the mines, creating a situation U.S. forces cannot quickly reverse while the war continues. Even after hostilities cease, full clearance will still require half a year before normal passage resumes.