PNN – CNN reported, citing US intelligence sources, that Iran now has the ability to seriously influence the Strait of Hormuz and could restrict access to this waterway in times of crisis.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; According to three sources familiar with the findings, US intelligence agencies have recently assessed that Iran can now effectively close access to the Strait of Hormuz at will, and CNN reported that this assessment means that the Islamic Republic of Iran has acquired a “powerful new capability” as a result of the war that the US has waged against it.
CNN further reported: Regardless of the memorandum of understanding set to be formally signed on Friday to open the key waterway as a prelude to nuclear talks, Iran has proven it can block access to the Strait of Hormuz during the current conflict, and U.S. intelligence assessments suggest it could do so again.
A source familiar with US intelligence assessments claimed in an interview with CNN: We have now given Iran practical control of the Strait of Hormuz, a weapon more powerful than any nuclear weapon.
Another source familiar with the assessments said: Iran has similarly learned that it can use targeted attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf as a capability, as it did so effectively during the war; another tool it could use to its advantage in the future.
CNN added: The United States has been forced to negotiate intensively with Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which underscores the continued leverage of Iranian officials.
The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence have not yet commented on the matter.
As a result of the US and Zionist incitement in the region and repeated illegal attacks against Iran’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced that all traffic through this important international waterway, which is located adjacent to Iran’s territorial waters and coastline, must be carried out in coordination with Iran, and ships associated with the US and the Zionist regime and their allies will not be allowed to pass.