A Pentagon spokesperson denied the information, emphasizing that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for six months “is impossible and totally unacceptable.”
The Pentagon estimated that mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz would take up to six months, disrupting the oil market. This information was disclosed during a classified presentation to the U.S. Congress, as reported by the Washington Post but later contradicted by the U.S. Department.
According to the newspaper, three anonymous officials stated that “lawmakers were informed that Iran could have placed 20 or more mines in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding areas.” Some of these mines were deployed using GPS technology, making their detection difficult. Others were reportedly placed by Iranian forces using small boats.
A Pentagon spokesperson refuted the information to AFP, denouncing “leaks – much of which is false – from a classified and closed briefing” which he deemed as “dishonest journalism.”
Sean Parnell stated that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for six months “is impossible and totally unacceptable.”
The issue of mining in the Strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil transportation normally passes, lacks reliable information. In mid-April, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of a “dangerous zone” of 1,400 km2 where mines could be present.
Last week, Donald Trump claimed that Tehran, “with the help of the United States, had removed, or was in the process of removing all maritime mines.” However, this information was not confirmed by the Islamic Republic.
Shipping companies remain cautious even in the event of the official reopening of the Strait by Tehran and Washington. They require precise information on the safe paths to navigate and fear the presence of mines, as highlighted by Nils Haupt, spokesperson for German maritime transport giant Hapag-Lloyd.
Several “non-belligerent” countries have expressed readiness for “a neutral mission” to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway is now at the center of the conflict that began on February 28 with Israeli-American strikes on Iran, before the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran came into effect on April 8. According to Tehran, vessels must obtain permission to enter or leave the Gulf via Hormuz, while the United States have been blocking access to Iranian ports since April 13.
