Pentagon officials told U.S. lawmakers that a return to normal maritime traffic in the Strait is not expected anytime soon.By World Israel News StaffEfforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and restore safe passage through the critical maritime chokepoint could take at least six months, senior Pentagon officials told lawmakers during a closed-door briefing, according to an Associated Press report.Senior Defense Department officials told members of the House Armed Services Committee in a classified meeting Tuesday that a return to normal maritime traffic will not happen in the near future. Prior to Operation Epic Fury, the Strait of Hormuz accounted for roughly 25 percent of the world’s oil shipments, with its continued disruption creating a shockwave in global markets.A source present at the meeting, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, said lawmakers questioned officials on the goals of the conflict, the Pentagon’s strategy, and the overall cost of the operation.Hundreds of vessels remain stranded in and around the Strait after Iran announced it was closing the passage in early March, following the outbreak of Operation Epic Fury.The Strait lies in international waters, making Iran’s attempt to restrict access a clear violation of international law.Beyond oil, the passage is also a key transit route for fertilizer and other essential goods. Analysts warn that keeping the Strait blocked for an extended period could drive up the cost of everyday items, including food, exacerbating inflationary pressures worldwide.Iran has reportedly allowed only allied countries to pass freely while imposing steep fees on others — reportedly as high as $2 million per vessel, to be paid in bitcoin.In response, the United States has launched its own naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime assets, including those operating near the Strait and its ports.In recent days, U.S. forces have seized at least two vessels linked to Iran operating in the vicinity of the Strait.The post Report: Strait of Hormuz mine removal to take at least 6 months appeared first on World Israel News.