Not all mines laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz will need to be completely removed to restore shipping through this vital maritime route, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Tuesday. This was reported by Bloomberg, according to UNN.
Only a corridor is needed so that vessels can enter and exit. I think this can happen quickly
Iran stated that it has laid mines along the most frequently used routes of the narrow strait, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies passed before the start of the war between the U.S., Israel, and the Islamic Republic. The strait has been effectively closed since late February, leading to serious supply disruptions and rising prices for oil and petroleum products such as diesel and gasoline.
Shipping companies are reluctant to attempt passage through the Strait of Hormuz due to the risks of vessel seizures, mines, and the lack of security guarantees.
Complete demining of the strait could take up to six months, a senior U.S. Department of Defense official said during a closed-door briefing for Congress last week, according to the Washington Post.
As the publication notes, the longer the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the longer the historic energy shock will last. In the U.S., rising fuel prices could occur just months before the midterm elections, where President Donald Trump's Republicans will seek to maintain their positions.
Wright also stated in a separate interview with Bloomberg Television on Tuesday that the U.S. plans to announce "historic" pipeline deals that will increase the volume of American oil and gas imports to Europe as part of Trump's initiative called the "Peace Pipeline Agenda."
The US has begun searching for mines in the Strait of Hormuz to restore shipping25.04.26, 18:48