Iran Threatens Shift to Offensive Policy in Response to Trump’s Statements

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that if diplomacy fails, Iran will shift its policy to a fully offensive stance, increasing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the region. The remarks came in response to US President Donald Trump's statement that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. The official added that Iran would not wait indefinitely for the US naval blockade to continue. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed the end of the 60-day window established in a memorandum of understanding with Washington, claiming that the US had failed to meet any of its obligations and that serious negotiations never began. Hossein Mohebi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dismissed Trump's claims of secret talks with the IRGC as delusions stemming from defeat. Additionally, the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters stated that the era of defense has ended and Iran's strategy has shifted to a total offensive. Conversely, in an interview with Fox News, Trump called on Iran to raise a white flag of surrender and claimed that secret communication channels with the IRGC exist. He further warned that if fighting returns to the Middle East, the US would lead it with Israeli support.