US races to avert monthslong Hormuz shutdown

US officials privately warn Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz for one to six months, a scenario the White House and Pentagon say requires drastic actions to reopen. A Defense Intelligence Agency assessment cited by CNN is not being treated as likely by White House officials, who stress the plan will rely on careful steps rather than a single fix. The story details how the US has stepped up military efforts to counter Iran’s capabilities, contemplates leverage points such as Kharg Island, and considers geopolitical and economic ripple effects as oil prices rise and allies weigh responses.