The removal of naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, potentially putting pressure on global hydrocarbon prices, the Pentagon estimated in a classified presentation to the US Congress, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday. A US Department of Defense spokesperson, however, denied the report in comments to Agence France-Presse.
The newspaper, citing three unnamed officials, said lawmakers were told that Iran may have deployed 20 or more mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the presentation by a US defence official, some of the mines were placed remotely using GPS technology, complicating their detection. Others were reportedly laid by Iranian forces using small boats.
In statements to AFP, a Pentagon spokesperson rejected the report, denouncing “leaks, much of which is false, from a classified, closed-door briefing”, which he said amounted to “dishonest journalism”.
Sean Parnell said that closing the Strait of Hormuz for six months “is impossible and completely unacceptable”.
The issue of mine deployment in the Strait, through which around one-fifth of global hydrocarbon supplies normally pass, remains subject to limited reliable information.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned in mid-April of a “danger zone” of 1,400 square kilometres where mines could be present.
Last week, US President Donald Trump said that Tehran, “with the help of the United States”, had removed or was in the process of removing all naval mines. That claim has not been confirmed by Iran.
Shipowners remain cautious. Even if the Strait is officially reopened by Tehran and Washington, they require clarification on safe routes and remain wary of the mines, said Nils Haupt, spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd, last Friday.
“Non-belligerent” countries have indicated they are ready to undertake a “neutral mission” to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway has been at the centre of tensions since Israeli and US strikes against Iran on 28 February, before a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran came into effect on 8 April.
According to Tehran, vessels must obtain permission to enter or exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has blocked access to Iranian ports since 13 April.
Source: AMNA