The Pentagon has estimated the timeline for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz
The operation to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines could take up to six months and will begin only after the military conflict between the U.S. and Iran has ended.
This is reported by The Washington Post, citing three U.S. officials who attended a closed-door briefing in Congress.
This assessment means that global economic consequences and high energy prices will persist at least until the end of 2026. According to the publication, Iran began mining the strategically important waterway back in March. To carry out the upcoming operation, the U.S. Department of Defense plans to deploy helicopters, drones, and teams of explosive ordnance disposal divers.
However, representatives of both the Republican and Democratic parties have expressed dissatisfaction with such a long timeframe, as the blocked strait critically affects the global oil market. Currently, the White House and the Pentagon are refraining from official comments, but experts predict that delays in raw material supplies will force EU and Asian countries to seek alternative sources of oil for an extended period.
Ukraine is considering participating in an international mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. It is also noted that Kyiv plans to use its ships to protect the coastline and clear the waters of mines.
Iran has seizedtwo container ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
As a reminder, the U.S. military recently struck the vessel Touska, which was attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz under the Iranian flag despite the blockade.
Official Tehran refused to participate in the second round of peace talks with the United States, which were to take place in Islamabad.
Iran rejected Trump’s claims regarding the transfer of uranium to the U.S. and accused him of manipulation.
