Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz is free of naval mines could postpone the return of normal shipping operations for several weeks, even after any agreement to reopen the strategic waterway, according to shipping and maritime security sources, The Caspian Post reports, citing Reuters.

Maritime security experts say that mine-clearing efforts involving conventional minesweepers and advanced underwater drones may need to continue for 40 to 50 days before insurers, shipping firms and oil companies feel sufficiently confident to resume regular transit through the strait. The estimate is based on assessments from five Western maritime security sources.

Such delays could keep tens of millions of barrels of oil from reaching global markets, in addition to the Gulf oil exports that have already been disrupted since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28. The estimate is based on oil flow levels recorded before the conflict began.

The importance of restoring exports is heightened by declining oil inventories in major economies. According to analysis released last week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, stockpiles in the world's largest economies are on track to reach their lowest levels since at least 2003.

Although Iran and the United States quietly assisted vessels in navigating the blocked waterway in recent weeks, shipping industry officials remain cautious. Their concerns persist despite announcements from Washington and Tehran on Sunday that they had reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the strait.

The exact number of mines that Iran may have deployed in the Strait of Hormuz remains unknown. Before the conflict, the waterway handled around 20% of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iran has sought to reinforce its influence over the strait during the war and has previously threatened to deploy naval mines. However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed whether any mines have actually been laid.

The United States has repeatedly warned that mines pose a significant risk in the area and says it has targeted Iranian vessels suspected of laying them.