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Clearing Mines in Strait of Hormuz Could Take Up to Six Months: Report
Six-month timeline raises concerns over global oil supply.
ND
by News Desk
2026-04-23
Clearing Mines in Strait of Hormuz Could Take Up to Six Months: Report

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy routes, has been largely shut down since the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, causing a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices and disrupting international markets.

In normal circumstances, nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supply passes through this narrow waterway. However, despite a fragile ceasefire, the strait remains mostly inaccessible, with both Iran and the United States maintaining restrictions that have limited maritime movement.

According to reports citing US defense assessments, even if the conflict ends and restrictions are lifted, it could take several months—possibly up to six months—to fully clear the area of naval mines. The complexity of the operation and ongoing security concerns are expected to delay any such efforts until after hostilities have ceased.

Officials have indicated that Iran may have deployed dozens of mines in and around the strait, including advanced devices that can be remotely controlled or positioned using GPS, making them more difficult to detect and remove.

While some US officials have questioned the accuracy of these estimates, concerns remain high due to warnings from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which have declared a large section of the surrounding waters a “danger zone.”

Iranian leadership has also signaled that the strait will not reopen as long as US naval restrictions remain in place, further complicating efforts to restore normal shipping activity.

Global shipping companies have expressed growing concern over the safety of routes through the area, emphasizing the need for clear navigation plans before operations can fully resume. Even during a brief easing of restrictions earlier, only a limited number of vessels attempted to pass through the strait due to fears of mines and potential attacks.

Meanwhile, international efforts are underway to address the situation. Military planners from more than 30 countries have convened in London to discuss a joint mission, led by the United Kingdom and France, aimed at ensuring maritime security and eventually clearing mines from the strait once conditions allow.

The proposed coalition is expected to focus on protecting commercial shipping routes and restoring safe passage through the waterway, which is vital for global energy supply chains.
Tagged:

StraitOfHormuz #OilPrices #GlobalEconomy #IranUSConflict #MiddleEastTensions #EnergyCrisis #OilSupply #MaritimeSecurity #GlobalMarkets #BreakingNews #Geopolitics #ShippingCrisis #EnergyMarkets #TradeRoutes #WorldEconomy
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