Sources: The Trump administration has seriously underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Multiple sources familiar with the matter revealed that the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Security Council significantly underestimated Iran's willingness to close the Strait of Hormuz when planning actions against Iran. Sources said that President Trump's national security team failed to adequately consider the potential consequences of the worst-case scenario the government currently faces, as described by some officials. While key officials from the Department of Energy and the Treasury attended some official planning meetings before the operation began, institutional analysis and forecasts that have been crucial in past government decision-making processes were treated as secondary considerations at the time. Treasury Secretary Bessant and Energy Secretary Wright played key roles in the planning and execution of the conflict, but Trump's tendency to rely on a close circle of advisors in decision-making marginalized discussions among agencies about the potential economic consequences of a possible Iranian response, such as closing the Strait. Officials said Thursday that U.S. government measures to mitigate the escalating economic impact could take weeks to take effect, including the escort of oil tankers through the Strait, which the Pentagon deems currently too dangerous. Meanwhile, Trump continues to downplay the volatility and dangers in the energy markets. (CNN)