The US Congress has been informed by the Pentagon that it may take up to six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian military mines. The clearance operation is unlikely to commence until the conflict ceases, according to a report by the Washington Post. Recent social media posts suggest that Iran may be laying additional mines in the area.
Reports from social media users indicate that Iranian gunboats have been observed moving towards Iranian coastlines after departing from the middle of the Strait of Hormuz, allegedly laying mines. However, the authenticity of these images has not been independently verified by the Mirror.
One social media user speculated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could be deploying mines in the Hormuz transit channel using numerous speedboats.
The ongoing conflict between the US and Iran has escalated tensions in the region, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Joint military strikes by the US and Israel on key Iranian sites have been met with retaliation from Iran, resulting in the closure of the trade route responsible for facilitating 20% of global oil trade.
In response to Iran’s actions, the US has initiated a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as a means to impact the Iranian economy, prompt the reopening of the trade route, and create pressure for diplomatic negotiations.
Iran has faced accusations of endangering maritime traffic in the strait by deploying mines, posing a threat to ships and disrupting global economic activities.