India, June 17 -- Fresh US intelligence assessments have raised new concerns about Iran's ability to disrupt global trade by shutting down the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz again following the recent conflict in the Middle East.

According to CNN, multiple US intelligence sources now believe Iran has demonstrated it can effectively close access to the waterway "at will," giving Tehran powerful leverage over the global economy and energy markets going forward.

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most important shipping chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil and gas exports passing through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.

The strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea and is vi...