The Pentagon has informed Congress that it could take up to six months to fully clear Iranian military mines from the Strait of Hormuz, and that such an operation is unlikely to commence until the U.S. conflict with Iran has concluded.
According to three sources familiar with the discussion, a senior US Defence Department official provided the estimate to members of the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday during a classified briefing, reports the Express US.
The timescale, which has provoked anger amongst both Republicans and Democrats, is the latest sign that oil and petrol prices could remain elevated even after a peace deal is reached.
The Washington Post was first to report on the assessment.
With November’s midterm elections drawing closer, such an outcome could carry significant political consequences in the world, particularly alongside any broader economic impact.
Recent polls suggest that the majority of Americans view President Donald Trump‘s decision to enter the conflict as deeply unpopular, and it has fractured his electoral base, who backed him in part due to his repeated promises to avoid international military entanglements and focus more closely on domestic issues.
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of petrol in the U.S. rose from $2.98 shortly before the conflict began in February to $4.02 on Wednesday.
Regarding when petrol prices would fall, Trump has vacillated, stating this month that they “could be the same or maybe a little bit higher” by the midterms, before announcing that they would be “much lower” prior to the election.
It might be late September before “we can have $3 gas again,” according to Scott Bessent, his treasury secretary.
Speaking under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, three individuals claimed that lawmakers were told that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for the transportation of Middle Eastern oil across the Persian Gulf.
A senior defence source told Congress that some of the mines were set remotely using GPS technology, making it increasingly difficult for U.S. forces to locate them. It is believed that Iranian soldiers deployed small boats to lay the remaining devices.
In a brief response, a spokesman named Sean Parnell dismissed the information as “inaccurate” and acknowledged that it had been disclosed during a classified briefing for lawmakers.
“By deciding to publish this these false claims, the Washington Post has made clear they care more about advancing an agenda than truth,” the statement says.