The removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take as long as six months, potentially driving up global hydrocarbon prices, according to a Pentagon assessment presented in a classified briefing to the U.S. Congress, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday.

The American newspaper cited three unnamed officials, who said that “lawmakers were informed that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding area.”

According to a U.S. Department of Defense official’s presentation, “some were deployed remotely using GPS technology,” complicating their detection. Others “were laid by Iranian forces using small vessels.”

A Pentagon spokesperson described the Washington Post report as “inaccurate,” according to the newspaper.

However, there is indeed limited reliable information regarding the mining of the Strait, through which, under normal conditions, about one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons destined for international markets pass.

The Revolutionary Guards, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic, warned in mid-April of a “danger zone” of 1,400 square kilometers where mines could be located.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Tehran, “with the help of the United States, has already removed or is removing all sea mines.” However, this claim has not been confirmed by the Islamic Republic.

Shipowners, for their part, remain cautious.

Even if the Strait is officially reopened by Tehran and Washington, shipowners need clear guidance on safe routes and remain concerned about the mines, warned last Friday Nils Haupt, spokesperson for the German shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd.

“Non-belligerent” countries have expressed readiness to undertake a “neutral mission” to ensure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz.

This crucial maritime passage is now at the center of the conflict that began on February 28 with Israeli-American strikes against Iran, before a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran came into effect on April 8.

According to Tehran, ships must obtain permission to enter or exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has been blocking access to Iranian ports since April 13.