Pentagon: Clearing Hormuz mines may take 6 months

A secret Pentagon briefing to the US Congress has reportedly warned that clearing mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, according to a Washington Post report citing sources. The assessment indicates gasoline and oil prices may remain high until the congressional elections, putting pressure on global trade and energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical transit point for about 20 percent of the world's oil. The threat of mines continues to disrupt shipping and poses a significant challenge to US military and economic planning.