Select Language:
A Pentagon report indicated it might take up to six months to fully clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines laid by Iran, potentially keeping oil prices elevated, the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Since initiating conflict with the U.S. and Israel, Iran has nearly closed off this crucial waterway, causing a sharp increase in oil and gas prices and creating turbulence in the global economy.
During a fragile ceasefire, the strait—through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas normally pass—has largely remained shut, with the U.S. imposing its own blockade.
Even if fighting ceases and the blockade is lifted, clearing the area of mines could still take months, according to a Pentagon assessment cited by the Washington Post, which referenced officials familiar with the discussion.
The report also noted that such a clearance operation was unlikely to commence before the conflict ends.
This six-month timeline was disclosed to members of the House Armed Services Committee during a classified briefing, the publication added.
Officials estimate Iran might have laid more than 20 mines around the strait, some of which are remotely controlled via GPS, complicating detection efforts.
The Department of Defense has been contacted for comment by AFP.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed the report, stating that the information was “inaccurate.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have issued warnings about a “danger zone” spanning approximately 1,400 square kilometers—about 14 times the size of Paris—where mines may be present.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker declared that the country would not reopen the strait as long as the U.S. naval blockade remains in place.
A spokesperson for Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd cautioned last week that shipping companies need detailed information about safe routes, as fears of mines persist.
When the strait briefly reopened earlier this month during the ceasefire, only a limited number of ships passed through, amid concerns about attacks or mines.
In early April, the U.S. Navy claimed it had ships transiting the waterway to begin mine removal operations, a claim Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied, warning against any military vessels attempting to cross.
London hosted talks with military planners from over 30 countries starting Wednesday, focusing on a multinational effort led by the UK and France to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz once hostilities conclude.
This “defensive” coalition plans to discuss strategies for reopening the strait and undertaking mine clearance missions.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
