Washington: Clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months and is unlikely to begin until the US war with Iran formally concludes, the Washington Post reported, citing officials familiar with a classified Pentagon briefing to Congress.

According to Anadolu Agency, lawmakers were informed that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in and around the waterway, with some deployed remotely using GPS technology, complicating detection efforts significantly. This assessment has frustrated both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as it suggests that the economic impact of the conflict, including elevated oil and gasoline prices, could persist well into the year.

The issue of mines in the Strait of Hormuz has been ongoing. US President Donald Trump previously suggested that Iran had removed or was in the process of removing the mines, asserting that most Iranian "mine droppers" had been destroyed in US strikes. Meanwhile, Iran has denied placing mines in the waterway, dismissing the allegations as American propaganda. Despite this, Iranian media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued safe passage maps in the area.

Reports of Iranian mine-laying in the strait first surfaced in early March, with US officials later indicating that small boats were used for deployment following the sinking of larger vessels. The Pentagon did not respond to the Post's inquiries, US Central Command declined to comment, and the White House directed questions back to the Pentagon.