US intelligence believes that Iran will not agree to open Strait of Hormuz - media

US intelligence believes that Iran is unlikely to agree to unblocking the Strait of Hormuz, as this remains its strongest "trump card" in the current situation.

This was reported by Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

The latest reports from US intelligence indicate that Iran is unlikely to agree to open free passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, because control over this strategically important "artery" for oil exports remains its only real trump card in negotiations with the US.

Intelligence analysts, based on available information, believe that Tehran will continue to block the strait so that maintaining high energy prices around the world will be a tool for pressure on the US and push President Trump to quickly wind down the campaign against Iran - in parallel with the pressure of public opinion at home.

The reports also suggest that the war could even strengthen Iran's regional position, as it is now successfully demonstrating its ability to control this strategic route and creating major problems for its neighbors.

"In this case, it is clearly clear that Iran has now 'felt a taste of power' and its control over the strait, so it will not soon agree to give it up," says one of the interlocutors.