US intel: War proved Iran can close Strait of Hormuz at will

Officials fear Iran can still trigger significant economic disruption around the world.

By World Israel News Staff

American intelligence agencies have concluded that Iran retains the ability to close the Strait of Hormuz whenever it chooses, leaving the Islamic Republic with the capacity to trigger significant economic disruption at any time, according to a CNN report.

“We have now handed Iran de facto control over the Strait – a weapon more powerful than any nuke,” a source familiar with the assessments told CNN.

Another source involved in shaping U.S. military strategy for Operation Epic Fury said the continued closure of the Strait came as a surprise to Washington.

According to the source, U.S. officials expected China, a close partner of the Islamic Republic, to pressure Tehran into keeping the critical waterway open, given Beijing’s heavy reliance on the Strait for its economy and energy imports.

Iran’s refusal to reopen the passage despite an intensive bombing campaign convinced U.S. officials that restoring freedom of navigation would likely require a large-scale American military operation.

“Losing control of the Strait will be the biggest blunder of this era because it is a card the U.S. cannot counter without going all in,” the source said.

“Now there is no way to undo the Strait without amassing a massive force.”

However, another official told CNN that China and several Gulf Arab states were deeply frustrated by Iran’s actions during the conflict and angered by its efforts to disrupt global shipping.

“Iran pays a price when they do this,” the source said.

In a statement to CNN, a senior Trump administration official stressed that Iran cannot receive any benefits from the agreement unless it keeps the Strait fully open.

If Iran abides by the agreement, “the relief follows and American leverage holds the entire way,” the official claimed.