Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz is safe for travel could take weeks due to the possible presence of Iranian mines.

While President Donald Trump announced that a deal had been reached to reopen the vital waterway and restore the flow of oil, maritime security experts warn that lingering mine threats could delay a full return to normal shipping operations for more than a month.

According to maritime security and shipping sources, conventional minesweepers and underwater drones may need 40 to 50 days to verify that the strategic passage is safe.

The strait, located between Iran and Oman, normally carries about 20% of the world's daily oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Trump expressed optimism Sunday that "oil will flow on both ends" following the agreement.

On Monday, he said the strait was "already partially opened" and noted that crews were conducting "a little hunting for a couple of mines."

The biggest uncertainty is whether Iran actually deployed naval mines during the conflict.

Although dozens of vessels traversed the strait during the war without striking mines, U.S. officials have repeatedly warned that the threat is real.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers earlier this month that Iran had mined "large segments" of the Strait of Hormuz, while Germany's navy reported information from U.S. and British sources indicating mines may have been detected in several locations around the waterway.

Iran has threatened to mine the strait in the past but has not publicly confirmed doing so.

Even the possibility of mines is enough to make shipping companies and insurers wary.

"A supertanker and its cargo can be worth roughly $300 million," maritime officials said, adding that companies will demand strong assurances before resuming routine voyages through the region.

The U.S. Navy is expected to rely heavily on drones and unmanned systems to search for and eliminate any mines.

According to The New York Times, underwater vehicles equipped with sonar can scan the seafloor, while remotely operated drones can investigate suspicious objects and place explosive charges to neutralize them.

Modern naval mines pose unique challenges. Some are designed to evade sweeping operations, while others use sophisticated magnetic, acoustic, and pressure sensors to detect ships.

Experts say identifying mines among rocks, debris, and other underwater clutter is a painstaking process.

Meanwhile, Pentagon officials indicated U.S. forces will remain on alert as the Trump administration evaluates whether the reopening agreement holds.

War Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military presence would remain "as long as necessary."

Britain, France, and Germany have already positioned naval assets in the region and could participate in multinational mine-clearing operations if needed.

Reuters contributed to this report.