Vessels close to the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 17, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: Reuters
Iran will escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and past, and launch an assault if the U.S. fails to implement an interim peace deal absolutely in a matter of weeks, a senior Iranian official advised Reuters on Monday (August 17, 2026).
If the U.S. doesn’t meet that deadline and diplomacy fails, Tehran would conduct a “well timed and exact” army assault to interrupt the U.S. naval blockade on the Islamic Republic, the official added.
Diplomatic efforts to deliver Tehran and Washington again to talks beneath a June settlement have stalled in current weeks.
Iran’s International Minister has mentioned the Strait of Hormuz won’t reopen till the U.S. first returns to the deal, whereas the U.S. Treasury Secretary has warned of unprecedented financial isolation for Iran.
“Inside the quick interval of a few weeks set by Iran, all of the settlement’s provisions should be carried out by the U.S. It is a precondition for additional negotiations with the U.S.,” the official advised Reuters.
Mediators would share particulars of Tehran’s deadline with Washington and regional states, the official added.
“Iranian entities should be ready to escalate tensions within the Strait of Hormuz and wider area, as Iran can be able to make choices and take motion on tough choices,” the official mentioned.
The Iranian official mentioned Tehran was shifting its coverage from defence to offence because it was shedding confidence within the deserves of diplomacy with Washington.
“It’s a incontrovertible fact that the U.S. isn’t severe a few ceasefire and received’t decide to any, so placing strain on the enemy or counting on mediators within the hope of reaching a everlasting ceasefire isn’t sensible,” the official mentioned.
Printed – August 17, 2026 07:52 pm IST
