The U.S. Department of Defense has issued a stark warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating that clearing the critical waterway of naval mines could take up to six months.

This timeline has sparked global concerns over long-term disruptions to energy supplies and the international economy.

According to a report confirmed by three sources to The Washington Post, a senior Pentagon official shared this estimate during a classified briefing with members of Congress on Tuesday, April 21.

Global Energy Impact
The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most vital oil transit chokepoint, with approximately 20% of the global oil supply passing through its narrow waters. Current tensions and mutual blockades between the U.S. and Iran have already hindered maritime traffic, leading to significant pressure on global fuel prices.

The impact is being felt directly by American consumers:

Current Gas Price: $4.02 per gallon (as of Wednesday, April 22).

Pre-Conflict Price: $2.98 per gallon.

Source: American Automobile Association (AAA).

Disputed Claims and Intelligence
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell has characterized parts of the report as "inaccurate," suggesting that the dissemination of "unfounded information" serves motives other than the truth.

However, three other officials cited intelligence indicating that Iran has deployed more than 20 naval mines around the Strait. These include:

• Mines dropped from small vessels.
• GPS-controlled floating mines designed to be difficult to detect.

The Scale of the Threat
The Defense Intelligence Agency estimates that Iran possesses a total arsenal of over 5,000 naval mines.

Due to the shallow and narrow nature of the Strait, these weapons are considered highly effective. Reports suggest the mining began following joint U.S. and Israeli strikes in March.

A report by The New York Times adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that Iran itself may have lost track of some mine locations and possesses limited capabilities for their safe recovery.

Diplomatic and Military Stance
The U.S. is reportedly considering the use of advanced drones and helicopters for mine-clearing operations, though a clear plan has yet to be finalized.

In March, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning, stating that Iran would face "unprecedented consequences" if the mines were not removed.

While a fragile ceasefire is currently in place and has been recently extended, a permanent resolution remains the subject of ongoing negotiations.