Iran threatens new offensive as temporary ceasefire ends
Iran has threatened to shift to a fully offensive military posture following the collapse of peace negotiations with the U.S. and the end of a temporary ceasefire. Tensions remain high over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The escalation of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz poses a significant threat to global oil supply chains and regional stability.
Iran will shift to a "fully offensive" military posture because efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the war with the US have stalled, a senior Iranian official said, as Washington ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Outward progress towards peace talks and a resumption of oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt, threatening to extend the conflict that the US and Israel launched with attacks on Iran on 18 February.
"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," the Iranian nofficial said, adding that Tehran would conduct a "timely and precise" military attack to break the US naval blockade if diplomacy failed.
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