The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has certainly become a focal point of global attention, and with good reason. According to recent reports, the Pentagon has informed Congress that it could take up to six months to clear Iranian mines from the strait. Now, isn’t that just the kind of leisurely timeline the world can’t afford? Especially when the U.S. forces have directed 31 vessels to turn around as part of an ongoing blockade against Iran. It’s a classic case of hurry up and wait, all while hoping nothing more goes boom in the night.

The question of clearing landmines is like navigating a minefield – literally. It’s a difficult mission even for the most sophisticated naval forces. The U.S. Navy, touted as the greatest in history, is faced with this wildly complex mission. Luckily, with explosive ordnance disposal teams and all the surface warriors at the ready, one can hope they will manage the task. But before everyone gets too relaxed, remember this monumental effort comes after decisive blows to Iran’s air, ballistic, and nuclear capacities, with the blockade now choking Iran economically.

Iran is losing out on a staggering $400 to $450 million every day, which sounds more like a high-stakes poker game than a military intervention. The blockade has Iran in a financial chokehold, with its storage facilities reportedly on the brink of bursting. As Iran runs out of room for its oil—and subsequently, its revenue—the regime might just run out of bluffing chips. Historically speaking, oppressive regimes typically don’t throw in the towel in the face of sweetness and light; they sit up straight when faced with a firm slap of reality, mixed with a dash of military and economic pressure.

However, as always, there’s a catch. Despite the blockaded stranglehold, Iran’s seafaring malcontents have managed to create a splash. Just recently, they’ve seized two international vessels with their remaining speedy boats—an act White House Press Secretary Caroline Levan characterized as piracy rather than a naval offensive. Who knew Iran’s navy would be reduced to acts comparable to a ‘Hollywood B-Team’ of pirates, commandeering ships like scenes out of a high-seas caper movie?

So, as the world looks on, it becomes clear that navigating the Strait of Hormuz isn’t for the faint-hearted. The geopolitical chess game is on. U.S. forces—armed with oodles of patience and slightly more than a few naval assets—are rigorously applying economic, political, and military pressure. Still, trusting Iran’s intentions in any forthcoming negotiations might require as much scrutiny as identifying the precise location of every mine in the strait. It’s a waiting game laced with suspicion, action, and no small dose of artful diplomacy.