Iran has developed capabilities to close the Strait of Hormuz at will after the recent conflict, as per assessments of US intelligence agencies, reports CNN, citing sources.
The assessment, as per the report, signals that the Islamic Republic has the capacity to disrupt the global economy using the strategically critical waterway, raising concerns despite the framework agreement between the two countries is signed on Friday.
The report further says that Iran has understood to leverage attacks on the energy infrastructure of the neighbouring Gulf nations, as the former showed its ability to strike US bases in these nations.
“We have now handed Iran de facto control over the strait — a weapon more powerful than any nuke,” a source quoted by CNN as saying. As per the report, the US had to involve in intensive negotiations with Iran for ensuring the complete reopening of the strait, underscoring Iran’s persistent leverage in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important waterway as it handles 20 percent of global oil consumption. East, South-east and South Asian countries are heavily dependent of the trade route for fuelling their economies.
