WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – According to a report by CNN, US secret services assume that Iran could block the important shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz at any time in the future. Tehran proved this during the recent conflict with the USA and Israel, CNN reported, citing several people familiar with the assessments.
Accordingly, American secret services have adjusted their assessment of Iran’s capabilities after the events of the past few weeks. The leadership in Tehran has recognized that by closing the strait they could exert considerable pressure on the global economy. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important transport routes for oil and gas in the world.
According to CNN, intelligence agencies have also concluded that Iran continues to have significant military capabilities, including missiles, drones and speedboats that could be used for a blockade.
Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressure
According to President Donald Trump, the United States and Iran want to sign an agreement on Friday that will allow the strait to be fully reopened. Trump said at the G7 summit in Évian, France, that the route had already been partially reopened. Ships could use the passage again.
However, according to CNN information, US authorities fear that Iran could again use control of the waterway as a means of pressure in the future. According to the report, the intelligence services are also examining the possibility that if negotiations fail, Tehran could persuade the allied Houthi militia in Yemen to also block the strategically important Bab al-Mandab strait at the entrance to the Red Sea.
The White House and the Office of the US Intelligence Coordinator did not initially comment on the report, according to CNN./hae/DP/men