US intelligence reports show that a US-Israeli military operation against Iran could lead to increased Tehran's influence in the region, Reuters reported.
According to the sources, “US intelligence agencies have warned in recent reports that Iran is unlikely to open the Strait of Hormuz anytime soon“. Tehran believes that control of the strait provides it “its only real advantage over the United States“. “These reports also suggest that a war aimed at destroying Iran's military might could actually increase its influence in the region by demonstrating Tehran's ability to threaten a key waterway“, the sources stressed the report.
The report cites expert assessments that Iran's ability to control energy supplies through the strait is "far more powerful than even nuclear weapons." The report also includes commentary from a White House official. According to him, US President Donald Trump is "confident that the strait will be opened very soon."
Experts told the agency that a potential operation to seize control of the strait would be "associated with serious risks" for the United States. Iranian forces would have the ability to strike American forces "and maintain control of the strait" by launching missiles and drones "from deep territory" of the Islamic Republic.