Hormuz Mine Clearance Could Take 6 Months

Clearing naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, according to a report citing US defense assessments, raising concerns over prolonged disruption to global energy markets.

The warning, reported by The Independent, highlights the complexity of removing mines believed to have been deployed by Iran in the strategic waterway.

According to The Washington Post, a US defense official presented the estimate to lawmakers during a closed-door briefing in Congress on Tuesday. The assessment suggests that the economic impact of the disruption could be long-lasting, given the strait’s critical role in global oil transport.

Before the outbreak of conflict, around 20% of the world’s oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The route is now affected by a standoff between the US and Iran, limiting commercial shipping and increasing volatility in energy markets.

Fuel prices have already reacted sharply. Average petrol prices in the US rose to approximately $4.02 per gallon on Wednesday, compared with $2.98 just days before the escalation.

The crisis is also having political repercussions in the US, where rising fuel costs and ongoing conflict could influence upcoming midterm elections. Polls suggest the war lacks majority public support, with many voters linking higher petrol prices to current policy decisions.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon dismissed parts of the report as inaccurate, without providing further details.

However, officials familiar with intelligence briefings indicated that more than 20 naval mines may have been deployed in and around the strait. Some were reportedly placed using small boats, while others may involve GPS-guided mechanisms, making detection and removal more difficult.

It remains unclear how US forces will approach clearance operations, though options under consideration include the use of drones and helicopters.

CNN reported that Iran began laying mines in the waterway as early as March, following the escalation of conflict in the region.

Estimates from the US Defense Intelligence Agency suggest Iran could possess more than 5,000 naval mines. The shallow waters and narrow shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz increase the effectiveness of such weapons and complicate efforts to safely restore maritime traffic.