US officials say future military operations depend on Tehran’s next moves
WASHINGTON: The White House is preparing for the possibility of a military confrontation with Iran lasting from several days to several weeks as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz, according to US officials cited by Axios.
Officials said the duration and intensity of the campaign will depend on Iran’s future actions, particularly whether it continues attacks on commercial shipping in the strategic waterway. They indicated that Washington is prepared for a sustained response if hostilities continue.
According to the report, US officials believe recent maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has reduced concerns that renewed fighting would immediately trigger a sharp spike in global oil prices. They also argued that Iran’s leverage over the vital shipping route has weakened as hundreds of vessels successfully resumed transit along routes near Oman.
Washington signals readiness for escalation
The report said some US officials believe the latest escalation reflects frustration among hardline elements within Iran’s leadership, who reportedly view the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as failing to deliver meaningful benefits for Tehran.
Meanwhile, US Central Command confirmed it carried out another round of strikes against Iranian military targets on Thursday following renewed exchanges between the two sides.
Diplomacy remains uncertain
US President Donald Trump earlier declared that the MoU with Iran was effectively over following recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. However, he later suggested that Iranian officials had contacted Washington seeking to revive negotiations, while questioning whether Tehran would honour any future agreement.
Iran has not officially responded to Trump’s remarks. Nevertheless, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the United States of breaking its commitments and warned that any future management of the Strait of Hormuz would take place according to Iran’s arrangements rather than American pressure.
The renewed confrontation has raised concerns about regional stability as both sides continue exchanging military warnings while leaving the future of diplomacy uncertain.
