Sources: Trump Administration Severely Underestimated Iran's Willingness to Close the Strait of Hormuz

Odaily According to multiple informed sources, the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Security Council severely underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz while planning actions against Iran. Sources stated that President Trump's national security team failed to fully consider the potential consequences of what some officials described as the worst-case scenario currently facing the administration. Although key officials from the Department of Energy and the Treasury attended some official planning meetings before the operation began, the institutional analysis and forecasting, which had been crucial in past government decision-making processes, were considered secondary factors at the time. U.S. Treasury Secretary Besant and U.S. Energy Secretary Wright played key roles in the planning and execution of the conflict, but Trump's tendency to rely on a tight circle of advisors during the decision-making process marginalized discussions among various agencies regarding the potential economic consequences of possible Iranian responses, such as closing the strait. Officials said on Thursday that U.S. government measures to mitigate the worsening economic impact may take weeks to take effect, including a Pentagon-proposed Strait of Hormuz oil tanker escort mission currently deemed too risky. Meanwhile, Trump continues to downplay the turmoil and dangers in the energy markets. (CNN)