Iran could withstand US naval blockade for months, Washington Post reports
Photo: Tehran may be able to withstand hardship longer than previously expected (Getty Images)
Iran could withstand a US naval blockade for between 90 and 120 days before facing critical economic problems, while still maintaining significant missile capabilities, according to The Washington Post.
Intelligence assessments suggest Iran’s economic situation is not as dire as some sources claim. Tehran could resist the blockade even longer if it establishes overland oil smuggling routes through Central Asian countries.
To preserve the functionality of its oil sector, Iran has been reducing production at some oil fields while using empty tankers to partially store crude oil.
Military potential
Some US officials believe Tehran’s ability to endure prolonged hardship may be greater than American intelligence estimates suggest.
According to these assessments, Iran’s leadership has become more radical and determined. Officials in Tehran believe they can outlast US political will and suppress any domestic unrest through repression.
The analysis also found that Iran has retained a substantial portion of its ballistic missile capabilities. Iran is believed to still possess about 75% of its prewar mobile missile launchers and around 70% of its missile stockpiles.
There is also evidence that Tehran has managed to restore and reopen nearly all underground storage facilities, repair some damaged missiles, and even complete the assembly of new munitions that were almost finished before the war began.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran could be completely over in just a week.
He said he sees a great chance for reaching a deal with Tehran but warned that if the conflict continues, the United States would bomb "the hell out of them."
Iran said that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is now safe. Tehran said this was due to new procedures, but did not provide further details.
