Iran will escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond, and launch an attack if the US fails to implement an interim peace deal fully in a matter of weeks, a senior Iranian official tells Reuters.
If the U.S. does not meet that deadline and diplomacy fails, Tehran will conduct a “timely and precise” military attack to break the US naval blockade on the Islamic republic, the official warns.
“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 official tells Reuters, adding that mediators will share details of Tehran’s deadline with Washington and regional states.
“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 official states.
The Iranian official says Tehran is shifting its policy from defence to offence as it is losing confidence in the merits of diplomacy with Washington.
“It is a proven fact that the US is not serious about a ceasefire and won’t commit to any, so putting pressure on the enemy or relying on mediators in the hope of reaching a permanent ceasefire is not realistic,” the official says.
