Intelligence Assessment: Tehran Likely to Keep Strait of Hormuz as Leverage

Western media reports on Saturday indicated that U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Iran is unlikely to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in the near term, viewing control over the vital maritime corridor as one of its most significant strategic pressure tools against the United States.

According to these assessments, Tehran may continue to keep the strait effectively restricted, contributing to sustained high global energy prices—an additional lever aimed at increasing pressure on the U.S. administration.

The reports suggest that this approach is part of Iran’s broader effort to strengthen its negotiating position, particularly amid an ongoing conflict now entering its fifth week, and declining public support within the United States, which could push Washington toward seeking a quicker resolution to the war.