The world has been waiting for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid its conflict with the United States, which has led to a gas price hike. President Donald Trump has been actively working on reopening it and soothing the broadening conflict with Iran. However, according to a new report, the administration failed to tell the public that it would actually take half a year to fully open the Strait of Hormuz once the two nations reconcile.
High-level briefings with lawmakers suggest a prolonged maritime blackout in one of the world's most vital sea lanes. However, the Pentagon chief spokesperson has denied the claim.
A recent report byThe Washington Postalleged that the Pentagon informed Congress that clearing mines and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months. This assessment has caused significant alarm in international markets, as the waterway serves as the primary artery for global energy supplies.
The outlet cited three officials, who reportedly spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying lawmakers were told Iran likely seeded the Strait of Hormuz with at least 20 naval mines, threatening the stability of a primary global energy corridor. To circumvent American surveillance, Tehran reportedly utilised a mix of small watercraft and advanced, GPS-guided floating technology to position the explosives.
Although these tactical manoeuvres complicate detection efforts, Pentagon officials have notably avoided clarifying the potential duration required to neutralise the threat and restore safe passage to the waterway.
However,Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson, dismissed the claim, calling it 'inaccurate'. According to him, the report is 'cherry picking leaked information, much of which is false'.
Parnell further clarified the military's stance on the feasibility of such a long-term disruption. He added, 'as we said in March, one assessment does not mean the assessment is plausible, and a six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz is an impossibility and completely unacceptable'.
He also issued a scathing remark against the publication for the report.
'By deciding to publish this these false claims, the Washington Post has made clear they care more about advancing an agenda than truth,' he said in a statement.
So apparently the government believes it'll take six months to fully open the Strait of Hormuz once the Iran war actually ends, but Trump won't admit that to the American people. This is going to be really bad,.pic.twitter.com/r67nayJYxa
Source: International Business Times UK
