Iran threatens to go on offensive in Strait of Hormuz if diplomacy with US fails

Iranian officials have warned that the Islamic Republic may adopt a fully offensive military posture if peace talks with the United States fail, as reported by Reuters on Monday. This comes as efforts to negotiate a permanent end to Iran's conflict with the US have stalled, and Washington has ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement.

The conflict erupted following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Progress towards peace talks and oil tanker traffic resumption through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has halted, with no indications of the warring parties nearing an end to the conflict. Iran has indicated it is prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region, and will launch a timely and precise military attack to break the US naval blockade if diplomatic efforts fail.

The 60-day deadline set by the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the US and Iran to reach a broader deal on Iran's nuclear program and US sanctions has expired, and the agreement has unraveled over a dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims it has the right to manage the strait, while the US rejects this interpretation.

Despite this, Iran and Oman have been separately negotiating an agreement over managing the Hormuz, which they believe is close to conclusion. In a recent speech, US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes with Iran's actions in the strait, while also warning Americans to prepare for continued high fuel prices following the war.