It could take up to six months to fully clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Pentagon assessment shared with US lawmakers, The Washington Post reported.
The estimate, delivered in a classified briefing to Congress, suggests any effort to reopen the key shipping lane would likely be delayed until fighting between the United States and Iran ends.
Officials told lawmakers that Iran may have deployed at least 20 mines in and around the strait, some using GPS-enabled systems that make them harder to detect.
The timeline could prolong disruption to global energy markets, with the report noting that oil and gasoline prices may remain elevated for months, potentially into the US midterm election period.
The Pentagon publicly disputed the report, calling the claims “inaccurate,” but did not provide an alternative timeline.
