Pentagon: Mine Clearance in the Strait of Hormuz May Take Six Months
Reference News Network reported on April 26 According to a report by the U.S. Washington Post website on April 22, the Pentagon has informed Congress that completely clearing the mines laid by the Iranian military in the Strait of Hormuz may take six months, and mine-clearing operations are unlikely to be implemented before the end of the U.S.-Iran war. This assessment suggests that the economic impact of this conflict may last until the end of this year or even longer.
Three informed officials revealed that a senior Defense Department official provided this time estimate during a confidential briefing to the House Armed Services Committee on the 21st. Two officials stated that this timeline has left both Democratic and Republican lawmakers dissatisfied. This latest indication also suggests that even if a peace agreement is reached, gasoline and crude oil prices may remain high for an extended period.
The three anonymous officials disclosed that lawmakers were informed that Iran has laid at least 20 mines in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. Some of these mines are believed to be remotely deployed using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, making them difficult for U.S. forces to detect during their deployment; the remaining mines are believed to have been laid by the Iranian military using small fast boats.
The obstruction of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of this ongoing war.
Iran began laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz in March, at a time when the U.S.-Israeli coalition was continuing its strikes against Iran. Trump immediately threatened that unless Iran cleared all "potentially laid" mines, it would face "unprecedented severe consequences."
The Pentagon subsequently announced that it would strike vessels that Iran might use to lay mines. Defense Secretary Hegseth stated on social media that U.S. forces would destroy these vessels with "relentless precision," and that the U.S. "will never allow terrorists to hijack the Strait of Hormuz."
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi denied that Iran has laid any mines. (Translation/Julie)
The U.S. Pentagon reported that clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, laid by Iran, could take up to 6 months, with operations unlikely to commence before the U.S.-Iran conflict concludes. At least 20 mines have been deployed, complicating shipping in the area. The situation may lead to prolonged high fuel prices, even if a peace agreement is reached.
- Pentagon estimates mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz may take 6 months.
- At least 20 mines have been deployed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Some mines are remotely controlled using GPS technology.
- U.S. military plans to target vessels involved in mine laying.
- High fuel prices may persist even with a peace agreement.