US lawmakers have been briefed on an intelligence assessment suggesting that the Strait of Hormuz could take months to fully reopen in the event of disruption following a conflict with Iran, raising concerns over global trade and energy supply chains.
According to reports cited by CNN, Pentagon officials told members of the House Armed Services Committee that clearing the narrow waterway of naval mines could take up to six months.
Strategic Shipping Route at Risk
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments pass daily.
Earlier assessments by the Defense Intelligence Agency suggested that Iran could potentially block or disrupt access to the strait for a period ranging from one to six months, depending on the scale of any escalation.
US Downplays Long-Term Closure Scenario
Despite the reported assessment, US officials have sought to temper concerns about a prolonged shutdown.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell rejected interpretations of worst-case timelines, saying that selective reporting of leaked material was misleading.
He emphasized that a six-month closure was considered implausible and not an accepted operational expectation within the department.
Market and Security Concerns
Even with official reassurances, the briefing highlights ongoing uncertainty around the region and its potential impact on global shipping routes and energy markets.
Any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz is widely viewed by analysts as having immediate implications for oil prices and international trade flows.
Broader Regional Tensions
The assessment comes amid continued geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Western powers, with maritime security in the Gulf remaining a key focus for international defense planning.
