Data: It could take six months to clear Hormuz

TT

Published 21.38

         

         The Pentagon estimates that an effort to clear the Strait of Hormuz, which is important for maritime           traffic, of mines will be time-consuming. Archive photo. Photo: Asghar Besharati/AP/TT

It could take six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian mines, reports The Washington Post.

In addition, such an effort will likely only be possible after the war is over. This assessment was made by the US Defense Headquarters Pentagon in a recent hearing for the House of Representatives Defense Committee, three sources with insight into the newspaper said.

The assessment is said to have aroused frustration among both Republicans and Democrats on the committee.

Apart from the economic consequences of such a protracted process to clear the Strait, the political consequences are also considered to be significant, not least for the Republicans, in the autumn mid-term elections.

According to the information, Iran is believed to have placed at least 20 mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz and some may be difficult to find.