It could take as long as six months to fully clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments, according to a Pentagon assessment shared with lawmakers this week — a timeline that suggests the economic consequences of the conflict with Iran could linger well beyond any ceasefire.
The estimate, disclosed during a classified briefing to members of the House Armed Services Committee, has not been previously reported. Three officials familiar with the discussion said the projection drew frustration from both Democrats and Republicans, underscoring concern that elevated fuel and energy prices may persist into the latter part of the year.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply flowed before the war, has become a central flash point in the conflict. Iran has declared the waterway closed and has targeted commercial vessels in an effort to exert pressure on the United States and its allies.
Countries in Asia, including Japan, South Korea and China, are particularly dependent on oil shipments passing through the strait.
US officials told lawmakers that Iran may have deployed20 or more minesin and around the waterway. Some were reportedly placed using GPS-guided systems that allow for remote deployment, complicating detection efforts. Others are believed to have been laid by small boats operated by Iranian forces.
The Pentagon did not respond to requests for comment on the timeline, and US Central Command declined to elaborate. The White House referred questions to the Defense Department.
President Donald Trump, however, said on social media last week that “Iran, with the help of the USA, has removed, or is removing, all sea mines” from the strait — a claim that appears at odds with the Pentagon's more cautious assessment.
Iran has denied laying mines altogether. Its deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, rejected the accusations, even as reports have suggested Tehran may not be able to account for all the devices it deployed.
The mine-laying reportedly began in March amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets. In response, Trump warned that Iran would face consequences “at a level never before seen” if the mines were not removed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said US forces were targeting Iranian vessels capable of deploying mines with “ruthless precision,” adding that the United States “will not allow terrorists to hold the Strait of Hormuz hostage.”
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