Hormuz Mines Could Take Months

Military analysts report that Iran has positioned more than 20 advanced mines in and around the strategic waterway, a move that has brought maritime traffic to a virtual standstill.

Even if a permanent ceasefire is reached, the technical challenge of ensuring the passage is safe for commercial tankers will cause prolonged economic disruption.

U.K. military divers are already preparing for mine-clearing operations as part of an international effort to reopen the world's most important oil chokepoint.

The standoff continues to keep global energy prices at record highs as the risk to shipping remains extreme.