Pentagon Warns 6-Month Mine Clearance in Strait of Hormuz

Officials stated that clearing naval mines deployed in the region would be a complex and time-consuming task. It could take six months to fully clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines deployed by the Iranian military, and any such operation is unlikely to be carried out until the U.S. war with Iran ends, the Pentagon has informed Congress — an assessment that means the conflict’s economic impact could extend late into this year or beyond.

According to a report by The Washington Post, the Pentagon informed the House Armed Services Committee that if a military operation were required to secure the Strait of Hormuz, it would not be an immediate process. Officials stated that clearing naval mines deployed in the region would be a complex and time-consuming task, potentially taking at least six months to complete.

The briefing further noted that large-scale mine-clearing operations would be necessary to ensure safe maritime passage. It also emphasized that such operations would be extremely difficult in an active conflict environment, making a ceasefire or pause in hostilities essential for effective clearance work.

U.S. officials reportedly told lawmakers that while Washington remains committed to keeping the strategic waterway open, technical and operational constraints could delay immediate results. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and any disruption there could have major implications for global energy markets and the international economy.