The CIA estimates Iran can withstand the siege for up to four months amid a potential resurgence of tensions between the US and Iran.
The situation in the Middle East has become tense again. The CIA estimates that Iran can withstand the blockade for up to four months, despite the US increasing both military pressure and sanctions.
May 9, 2569 at 06.48:XNUMX a.m., Reuters reported that Efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran have stalled. Following continued sporadic clashes between the two sides in the Persian Gulf, US intelligence estimates that Iran may be able to withstand the US naval blockade for several months.
The report states that A CIA assessment indicates that Iran will not face severe economic pressure from the US port blockade for approximately another four months, reflecting the limited bargaining power the US has over Tehran, even as both sides attempt to find a way to end the war, which is unpopular among American voters.
However, senior US intelligence officials have denied the report. They stated that the "claims" regarding the CIA's assessment were untrue, and affirmed that the blockade was causing significant cumulative damage to Iran, including cutting trade routes, shrinking revenue, and accelerating the economy into a systemic recession.
In recent days, fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz has intensified to its highest level since the ceasefire a month ago, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was attacked again on Friday.
The United States is awaiting a response from Iran to Washington's proposal to formally end the war before opening negotiations on more sensitive issues, such as Iran's nuclear program.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio He told reporters in Rome that... "We should know something by today." And confirm that The United States is awaiting a response from Iran.
side Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Specify thatTahran is still considering the proposal, and as of this afternoon in Washington, or before midnight Iranian time, there has been no official response.
Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official news agency Fars reported that sporadic clashes continued between Iranian forces and US warships in the Strait of Hormuz. Later, the Tasnim news agency, citing Iranian military sources, reported that the situation had calmed down but further clashes were still possible.
US military specify that Two ships linked to Iran were attacked as they attempted to dock at an Iranian port. US fighter jets shot at the ships' smokestacks, forcing them to change course.
Iran has blocked almost all foreign shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the war began with a joint US-Israeli air strike on Iran on February 28, while the US announced a blockade of Iranian ships last month.
Oil prices rose, with Brent crude contracts above $101 per barrel, although they were still down more than 6% compared to the previous week.
President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the ceasefire remains in effect despite clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, a pre-war route for shipping approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Tensions have also spread beyond the strait. โดย UAE specify that Air defense systems intercepted two long-range missiles and three drones from Iran on Friday, resulting in three injuries.
Throughout the conflict, Iran consistently attacked the UAE and other Gulf states housing U.S. military bases. The UAE stated that Iran escalated its attacks this week in retaliation for Trump's announcement of "Project Freedom," a program to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz, before suspending the operation 48 hours later.
Iran has accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect since April 7, but is facing renewed pressure this week.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said "Every time a diplomatic solution is offered, the United States chooses irresponsible military adventures."
Iran's Mehr news agency reported that one crew member was killed, 10 injured, and four missing after an Iranian merchant ship was attacked by the US Navy on Thursday night.
Following discussions with Italian Prime Minister Georgia, Rubio questioned why Italy and its European allies had not yet supported the US efforts to reopen shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said "Would you accept it if a country claimed control of an international waterway? Because if you did, it could become a precedent that repeats in many other areas around the world."
Meanwhile, the United States is continuing to increase economic pressure, with the Treasury Department announcing sanctions against 10 individuals and companies, including several in China and Hong Kong, for allegedly assisting the Iranian military in procuring weapons and materials for the production of Shahed drones.
US Treasury specify that The government is prepared to take additional economic measures against Iran's military industry to prevent Tehran from resuming production and expanding its influence abroad. This includes secondary sanctions against foreign companies or financial institutions that support Iran's illegal trade, which could include China's independent oil refinery network, or "teapot refineries."
The announcement comes just days before Trump's visit to China to meet with President Xi Jinping.
refer : www.reuters.com
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