Iran has deployed additional naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz as part of an escalating military standoff with the US since the February 2026 war began. The Pentagon estimates mine-clearing could take six months, meaning oil prices are likely to stay elevated through the midterm elections while the US and Iran engage in tit-for-tat seizures of commercial vessels in international waters. The ceasefire agreement that took effect in March is being tested by this naval escalation, though both sides remain in peace talks in Pakistan.