US officials are working to avert a potential months-long shutdown of the Strait
of Hormuz, acknowledging reopening remains uncertain and partly dependent on
President Donald Trump’s actions. A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment said
Iran could block the passage for one to six months, though officials downplayed
the worst-case scenario. Military operations have degraded Iran’s capabilities
but not eliminated threats, including mines and small-boat attacks. Officials
said securing transit remains complex, with risks persisting even if Iran’s
missile and drone capacity is further reduced.
