- New CIA analysis suggests Iran can withstand the US blockade for three to four more months, challenging claims that Tehran needs the conflict to end imminently.
- The confidential report indicates Iran's resilience stems from storing oil in floating tankers, managing oil field flows, and potentially smuggling oil via overland routes.
- This assessment aligns with previous reports suggesting Iran has approximately 120 days of crude oil availability for China, with the CIA estimating 90 to 120 days of economic endurance.
- US intelligence also reveals Iran retains significant missile stockpiles (70 per cent of pre-war levels) and mobile launchers (75 per cent), contradicting statements about its rapidly diminishing weapons.
- Despite Iran's resilience, US officials maintain the blockade is inflicting “real, compounding damage”, severing trade and crushing revenue, with a White House spokesperson claiming Iran loses $500 million daily.
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