The Pentagon has told US lawmakers that reopening the Strait of Hormuz in a military scenario would not be an immediate process, highlighting major operational and technical challenges, according to a congressional briefing.

A report cited by the Washington Post said the Department of Defence briefed the House Armed Services Committee on the complexities of clearing naval mines reportedly laid in the region.

Officials said that if a military operation were required to secure the Strait of Hormuz, mine removal alone could take at least six months.

The briefing added that large-scale clearance efforts would be necessary to restore safe shipping lanes, but such operations would be highly dangerous if conducted during active hostilities.

US defence officials reportedly emphasised that a ceasefire would be essential for any effective mine-clearing mission, warning that operations in an active combat zone would be significantly limited.

While the US remains committed to keeping the Strait open, officials acknowledged that immediate restoration of normal shipping would not be feasible due to operational constraints.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments.

Any disruption is considered to have wide-reaching consequences for global energy markets.