Iran signals 'fully offensive' policy shift as US war talks stall

Iran has signaled a significant policy shift, moving from a defensive posture to a "fully offensive" strategy in response to the deadlock in peace negotiations with the United States. A senior Iranian official informed Reuters on Monday that efforts to secure a permanent cessation of hostilities and to re-establish oil tanker traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz have reached a standstill. There is currently no indication that either side is nearing a resolution to the conflict, which began on February 28 with military actions initiated by the US and Israel. The Iranian official stated, "Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions." Tehran indicated it would execute a "timely and precise" military strike to break the US naval blockade if diplomatic avenues failed. Monday was the deadline set by a June memorandum of understanding for Iran and the United States to finalize a deal aimed at ending the war. The MoU, which stipulated an immediate and permanent halt to military operations, quickly unraveled over a dispute concerning control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran maintains that point 5 of the MoU grants it the right to manage the waterway, an interpretation rejected by Washington. Hostilities resumed when Tehran began targeting vessels it claimed were attempting to transit the strait without authorization. US President Donald Trump declared the pact "over" on July 7, and Tehran has consistently accused Washington of reneging on its commitments. "Within the short period of a few weeks set by Iran, all the agreement's provisions must be implemented by the US. This is a precondition for further negotiations with the US," the Iranian official added, noting that mediators would convey Tehran's deadline to Washington and regional states.

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Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions.