Clearing mines in Strait of Hormuz could take six months: Report

A Pentagon assessment said it could take six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-laid mines, which could keep oil prices high, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.Iran has all but blocked the vital waterway since the start of a war with the United States and Israel, sharply driving up oil and gas prices and disrupting the global economy.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The strait -- through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes in peacetime -- has remained largely closed during a shaky ceasefire, with the US imposing its own blockade.Even if hostilities end and the blockade lifts, it could take months to clear the waterway of mines, according to a Pentagon assessment, the Washington Post reported citing officials close to the discussion.The assessment added that it was unlikely such an operation would begin before the end of the war.The six-month estimate was shared with members of the House

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