Pentagon assessment has said it could take six months to completely clear the Strait of Hormuz of Iranian-laid mines, which could keep oil prices high, the Washington Post reported, according to AFP.

Iran has all but blocked the vital waterway since the start of a war with the United States and Israel, sharply driving up oil and gas prices and disrupting the global economy.

Even if hostilities end and the blockade lifts, it could take months to clear the waterway of mines, according to a Pentagon assessment, the Washington Post reported, citing officials close to the discussion.

The assessment added that it was unlikely such an operation would begin before the end of the war.

Lawmakers were told that Iran may have placed 20 or more mines in and around the strait, some floated remotely using GPS technology, which makes them harder to detect, according to the report.