Iran shifts to offensive military strategy following diplomatic deadlock with US

Iran has announced a shift from a defensive to a "fully offensive" military posture following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations to end the conflict with the United States. This decision marks a significant escalation in the hostilities that began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iranian targets. A senior Iranian official confirmed on Monday that Tehran is preparing for military operations in the Strait of Hormuz to challenge the ongoing U.S. naval blockade of its ports.

The development follows the expiration of a 60-day deadline established by the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17. The agreement aimed to facilitate peace talks and restore oil tanker traffic through the strategic waterway, which carries one-fifth of global energy supplies. While the MoU allowed for extensions by mutual consent, Washington has reportedly ruled out extending the temporary ceasefire. Tehran warned that it would conduct a "timely and precise" military response if diplomatic avenues remain blocked, further threatening regional stability and global energy security.