• The Pentagon reportedly sees no military plan that can guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • This assessment has frustrated President Trump amid ongoing efforts to secure the critical oil route.
  • Iran's IRGC says it remains fully prepared to respond to any threat or aggression.

The Pentagon has reportedly concluded that no current military plan can guarantee safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a regional intelligence source cited by Iran's Press TV. The assessment has frustrated President Trump as Washington struggles to secure the key oil route, with the source claiming that the lack of a definitive solution has heightened tensions at the highest levels of U.S. policy.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it remains fully prepared to respond to any military threat or aggression. "We are fully prepared to defend the Strait and push back against any perceived aggression," a senior IRGC commander stated, signaling Tehran's readiness to counter any U.S. moves.

The admission comes amid ongoing attacks and diplomatic efforts that have left shipping through Hormuz highly unsettled. The strait, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil consumption, has seen increased volatility as competing U.S. and Iranian actions fuel uncertainty. The Pentagon's assessment underscores the complexity of securing the waterway, where any military operation risks escalation with Iran's coastal defenses and fast-attack boats.

The economic impact is already being felt: continued disruption risks higher global oil prices and insurance costs, with market responses reflecting expectations of elongated tensions. Shipping rates for tankers have climbed, and some insurers have raised war-risk premiums, adding to the cost of moving crude through the region.

The situation intersects with broader U.S.–Iran tensions, regional diplomacy with Oman, and Gulf security arrangements. Oman has historically served as an interlocutor between Washington and Tehran, and recent diplomatic efforts have sought to de-escalate the crisis. However, external parties monitor for potential escalations or de-escalation moves, with the Pentagon's assessment potentially influencing future policy decisions.

Asked for comment, the Pentagon declined to confirm the intelligence assessment, while the White House did not respond to requests for comment. Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

As the standoff continues, the absence of a guaranteed solution leaves the global economy vulnerable to supply disruptions. The Pentagon's acknowledgment, though not official, highlights the difficult choices facing U.S. policymakers in a region where military options carry significant risk.