US Denies Report Suggesting Six Months Needed To Clear Mines In Strait Of Hormuz

The Pentagon has strongly denied a media report suggesting it could take up to six months to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, calling the claim inaccurate and misleading. The rebuttal comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States, with the vital shipping route remaining at the center of a deepening geopolitical standoff.

The controversy was sparked by a report published by The Washington Post, which cited unnamed officials claiming that such an estimate had been shared during a classified briefing to lawmakers. However, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell dismissed the report, accusing the media of selectively using leaked information. He emphasized that a single internal assessment does not represent an official or likely outcome, and described the notion of a prolonged six-month closure as “an impossibility.”

The situation is further complicated by Iran’s stance on the waterway. Tehran has stated it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as US restrictions on its ports remain in place. The disruption has already had significant global consequences, pushing up oil and gas prices and raising concerns about supply chain stability. The strait is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, making any prolonged closure a major economic risk.

Also Read: Iran-Linked Tankers Reportedly Cross Strait Of Hormuz Despite US Naval Blockade Strategy

According to reports, US lawmakers were told that Iran may have deployed 20 or more naval mines in and around the strait, some equipped with GPS technology, making them harder to detect and remove. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also declared a large “danger zone” in the area, warning of potential risks to vessels navigating the region.

Shipping and logistics companies are increasingly cautious. A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd recently warned that operators need clearer guidance on safe routes, as concerns over mines and potential attacks continue to deter traffic. Even during a brief reopening earlier this month, only a limited number of ships attempted to pass through the strait due to safety fears.

Meanwhile, international efforts are underway to address the crisis. Military planners from more than 30 countries have convened in London to discuss a UK- and France-led mission aimed at securing the waterway and eventually clearing mines once hostilities ease. Historical precedents highlight the scale of the challenge, as multinational forces took over two years to clear mines in the region following the Gulf War, underscoring the complexity of ensuring safe maritime navigation.

Also Read: UKMTO Confirms Multiple Ships Targeted In Strait Of Hormuz, No Casualties Reported