The Washington Post reported on the 22nd that the Pentagon has revealed it would take the U.S. military six months to completely clear mines laid by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, and that mine-clearing operations are unlikely to begin before the end of hostilities.
The report stated that a senior official from the Department of Defense made this assessment during a classified briefing to members of the House Armed Services Committee. This timeline has disappointed both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as it means the impact of the current conflict on the U.S. economy, especially fuel prices, may persist until later this year or even longer.
Three officials who wished to remain anonymous said lawmakers were informed that Iran may have laid as many as 20 or more mines in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters. Some of the mines were remotely deployed using satellite navigation technology, making it difficult for the U.S. military to detect them as they are being laid; others were deployed by Iranian forces using small boats.
The report stated that it remains unclear what plan the U.S. military will implement to conduct mine-clearing operations.