Jackie Northam

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

It's hard to say exactly why Iran launched these attacks, but the timing, of course, suggests it has to do with the U.S.

decision to launch this Project Freedom, you know, to try and open up the Strait of Hormuz.

And as Greg says, the U.S.

shooting down of some Iranian drones and missiles and attacking some smaller Iranian ships today.

The UAE is an ally of the U.S.

and supports it in the war against Iran.

And these attacks on the UAE could be Iran's way of retaliating.

President Trump says he has ordered U.S.

mine sweepers to begin clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a slow and dangerous process that could take months to complete.

The threat of mines in the Strait and attacks and ship seizures by Iran is forcing many vessels to stay put.

That's preventing oil and commodities such as helium, fertilizer and aluminum, all critical elements for industry, farming and the like, from moving through the Gulf.

That's causing shortages and driving up prices.

President Trump has extended an indefinite ceasefire with Iran, but that hasn't stopped the bellicose statements from both sides in the conflict.

Jackie Northam, NPR News.

There are no reliable numbers as to how many mines are in and around the Strait of Hormuz, but the threat of one hitting a ship is enough to keep some vessels anchored.

The Washington Post reported that a classified Pentagon assessment shared with Congress says it could take up to six months to clear the strait, and that such an operation wouldn't begin until after the war.

President Trump dismissed that assessment and said in a social media post that U.S.

minesweepers had already started clearing the strait.

Meanwhile, the U.S.