US intelligence agencies have recently assessed that Iran is now capable of effectively blocking access to the Strait of Hormuz whenever it chooses, CNN reported, citing three people familiar with the findings. The assessment suggests the Iranian regime has gained a new and powerful tool to damage the global economy as a result of the war.
According to the report, Iran has already shown during the current confrontation that it can interfere with movement through the strait, and US intelligence believes it could do so again. The finding implies that Tehran may now have leverage over one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
One source said, "We have now given Iran de facto control of the strait, a weapon more powerful than any nuclear bomb."