Pentagon Warns Iran War Could Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed for Six Months, Threatening Global Oil Supply

Pentagon Assessment Reveals Six-Month Timeline to Clear Strait of Hormuz

A newly released Pentagon assessment, shared with lawmakers on Tuesday, warns that clearing the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-planted mines could take up to six months. The vital oil tradeway remains critical to global energy markets, and its prolonged closure threatens to exacerbate the ongoing economic crisis.

Mine-Sweeping Efforts Hinge on Peace Agreement

According to officials cited by The Washington Post, any mine-sweeping operation will likely require a formal peace agreement and an official end to the Iran war. Without these conditions, the timeline for restoring normal operations could extend well beyond six months, further straining global oil supplies and economic stability.

Public and Political Backlash Grows Against the Iran War

The Pentagon’s report arrives amid escalating public and political opposition to the conflict. A Politico survey published last week found that 41% of Americans are uncertain whether President Donald Trump has a clear plan to end the war. The unpopularity of the conflict has also fractured the MAGA movement, with prominent far-right figures publicly distancing themselves from Trump’s foreign policy.

Far-Right Figures Break Ranks with Trump Over Iran War

Several key figures in the far-right media sphere, including Tucker Carlson and Alex Jones, have openly criticized Trump’s handling of the war. They argue that the president has abandoned his former platform and campaign promises, prompting Trump to retaliate on social media. In a series of posts, Trump attacked his former supporters, demanding they “shut the fuck up.”

Impeachment Calls Intensify as War Drags On

Public sentiment has also turned against Trump, with a majority now supporting his impeachment. A Strength in Numbers poll revealed that one in five of his own supporters now favor impeachment, signaling deepening discontent over his leadership during the crisis.

Energy Crisis Deepens as Oil Prices Surge

The war in Iran has triggered a global energy crisis, driving oil and gas prices to historic highs. Last month, Brent crude, a key global oil benchmark, peaked at $108 per barrel—up from $65 per barrel before the conflict began in late February. As of publication, prices remain elevated at approximately $101 per barrel, reflecting the war’s severe impact on energy markets.

Unclear Objectives of the War

Critics question the war’s strategic goals, noting a disconnect between Trump’s stated objectives and the administration’s actions. Trump has previously claimed that erasing Iran’s nuclear capabilities was his primary goal. However, his administration’s assessments contradict earlier boasts about the effectiveness of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

On June 22, Trump ordered airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—allegedly setting back Iran’s nuclear program by “years.” Despite these claims, independent analysts and former officials have raised doubts about the long-term impact of the strikes.

Former Counterterrorism Director Resigns in Protest

The war has also sparked internal dissent within the U.S. government. Joe Kent, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, resigned last month in protest. In his resignation letter, Kent wrote that he could not “in good conscience” support the war, arguing that Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S. He further alleged that the conflict was driven by pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.

Civilian Casualties Mount as War Enters Seventh Week

In the seven weeks since the war began, the U.S. and Israel have killed thousands of Iranian civilians, according to reports. The rising death toll has intensified international condemnation and further strained diplomatic relations, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict through negotiation.