US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Can Control & Block ‘Strait of Hormuz’ Anytime, Calls It a ‘Weapon More Powerful Than Nuke’ – US Intel Ahead of Iran-US Peace Deal

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: US intelligence warns Iran can control the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "weapon more powerful than a nuke" as the Iran-US peace deal signing approaches in Switzerland.

By: Neerja Mishra
Last Updated: June 16, 2026 21:37:20 IST

The US-Israel-Iran war is ending, and the Iran-US peace deal is completely holding the future of the whole Middle East security, which is set to be signed in Switzerland on June 19. Now, ahead of the Iran-US peace deal signing, US Intel has reportedly said that Iran no longer possesses the capability and full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and it can anytime disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz at its will.

The developments come after the lifting of the US Naval blockade on Iranian ports, strong statements of support from Hezbollah, and preparations for a landmark and historic Iran-US peace memorandum expected to be signed later this week, on June 19, in Switzerland. 

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: ‘Weapon More Powerful Than a Nuke’

A recent US intelligence assessment has sparked debate after sources familiar with the findings claimed that Iran can now effectively control access to the Strait of Hormuz during times of conflict.

One source familiar with the assessment told CNN, “We have now handed Iran de facto control over the strait – a weapon more powerful than any nuke.”

The assessment reportedly reflects growing concern within US intelligence circles about Iran’s ability to influence global energy markets through maritime pressure rather than conventional military force.

Weapon More Powerful Than a Nuke: What Does It Mean?

The phrase does not refer to a new military weapon. Instead, it highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a large portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports pass every day.

Analysts argue that any prolonged disruption in the strait could send energy prices soaring, affect global trade, and create economic uncertainty far beyond the Middle East. The intelligence assessment suggests that Iran’s ability to threaten shipping traffic could provide leverage comparable to, or even greater than, some traditional military capabilities.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Can Control Strait of Hormuz at Its Will: US Intel

According to sources familiar with recent intelligence findings, US agencies believe Iran demonstrated during the recent conflict that it can disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz if it chooses to do so.

The assessment reportedly concludes that Tehran’s naval and missile capabilities, combined with its geographic position along the waterway, give it significant influence over one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.

Officials have not publicly released the full intelligence report, but the findings have intensified discussions about regional security and the long-term stability of global energy supplies.

Hezbollah Chief Says Iran Is ‘Offering Its Blood’ for Lebanon

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem praised Iran’s role in the conflict and defended Tehran’s actions against Israel. Qassem said Iran was “offering its blood” for Lebanon and standing against Israel by responding to attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

His remarks underscore the close relationship between Iran and Hezbollah and highlight the broader regional implications of the conflict.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Iran Says US Naval Blockade Has Been Lifted

Iranian officials announced on Tuesday that the US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports during the conflict has been lifted ahead of the expected peace deal signing.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated, “The lifting of the blockade was something we had emphasised from the outset. It has now begun, and the blockade has been lifted before the formal signing.”

Iran views the move as an important step toward implementing the broader agreement and reducing tensions between the two countries.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Switzerland Confirms Venue for Iran-US Deal Signing

Swiss authorities have confirmed that the formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding is expected to take place at the Bürgenstock Resort near Lucerne on June 19.

The venue was reportedly proposed by mediators from Pakistan and Qatar and accepted by both Washington and Tehran. Diplomats see the ceremony as a major milestone in efforts to formally end the conflict and begin a new phase of negotiations.

Strait of Hormuz Open or Close?

As of now, the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping and commercial maritime traffic.

However, the latest intelligence assessments have renewed concerns about how quickly conditions could change during future regional crises. While no closure has been announced and shipping operations continue, governments and energy markets are closely monitoring developments due to the strait’s importance to global oil exports.

US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: What’s Next?

Attention is now focused on the planned June 19 signing ceremony in Switzerland, where Iran and the United States are expected to formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding.

If the agreement proceeds as expected, both sides will enter a new phase of negotiations covering sanctions, regional security, maritime stability, and nuclear-related issues. Despite the diplomatic progress, intelligence warnings about the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing regional tensions suggest that significant challenges remain before a lasting peace can be achieved.

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