Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz caught US officials unprepared, according to information obtained by American media. The move effectively halted nearly all commercial shipping in the region and caused a sudden surge in global oil prices.

Before the conflict began, some of President Donald Trump's advisers believed Tehran would not escalate the economic confrontation and would not endanger the flow of oil through the Persian Gulf. However, the situation changed dramatically from the start of hostilities, and commercial vessels virtually ceased passing through one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

Senator Christopher Murphy, following a closed briefing, stated that the US administration currently has no clear strategy for reopening the waterway, and that military intervention carries the risk of further regional escalation.

US officials publicly emphasized three military priorities: destroying Iran's missile arsenal, targeting missile production capabilities, and neutralizing Iranian naval forces. Analysts suggest such messaging may be preparing the political ground for President Trump to soon declare the military operation concluded.

The prolonged blockade of the strait poses a significant threat to global energy markets, as a major share of the world's oil and gas trade passes through this strategic point.