There are hundreds of mines laid during the Iran war in the Strait of Hormuz, and it will take at least two months to clear the strategic global oil choke point, the Italian defense ministry said Wednesday, ANSA news agency reports.

"The estimate is that there are dozens of mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which will require a commitment of about two months: these are sophisticated and advanced mines that require capabilities and expertise not available to all countries," said the commander of the Joint Operations Command (COVI), Giovanni Maria Iannucci, to the Italian House and Senate foreign and defense committees.

For Iannucci, "the prospect of a multinational mission to clear Hormuz is to allow the participation of non-European and regional actors as well."

The COVI commander added that Italian minesweepers are currently in Djibouti.

Earlier, Italy had announced its readiness to send two specialized ships as part of this mission, which, however, will be possible only after a complete cessation of hostilities and the establishment of peace.

The matter of creating an international mission is currently being discussed at the European level.