Clearing Hormuz Mines Could Take Months After Conflict

(MENAFN) Clearing potential naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz could require up to six months and is unlikely to begin before the formal end of the conflict involving Iran, according to a report citing US officials familiar with a classified Pentagon briefing to Congress.

Lawmakers were reportedly told that Iran may have deployed more than 20 mines in or near the strategic waterway. Some of these devices are believed to have been placed remotely, potentially using GPS-assisted systems, which officials say would make detection and removal more complex.

The assessment has reportedly raised concern among members of both major US political parties, as prolonged disruption in the strait could sustain higher global energy prices, particularly for oil and gasoline, well beyond the immediate conflict period.

The possibility of mines in the Strait of Hormuz has been the subject of competing claims. US officials have previously suggested Iranian involvement in mine deployment, while Iranian authorities have denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and politically motivated.

Earlier reports indicated that Iranian-linked forces may have used smaller vessels following damage to larger naval assets, though these claims remain part of an ongoing dispute between the two sides.

US defense and military officials declined to comment publicly on the classified briefing, and the White House referred questions to the Pentagon, which also did not provide a response.

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