The easing of the Hormuz Strait could take up to six months, according to the Pentagon.

A complete operation to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines placed by Iran would take six months and, most likely, will not be initiated until the end of the armed conflict between the US and Iran, according to Pentagon estimates.

The Pentagon has presented estimates to the US Congress indicating that the economic effects of the war could extend beyond this year, causing frustration among lawmakers.

Iranian forces have placed at least 20 mines in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating their detection by American forces. The Pentagon is considering the use of drones and divers for mine clearance. Although Iranian officials deny the placement of mines, the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Expert Richard Nephew warns that a partially unusable strait could have significant consequences for financial markets.