Iran has set a timeline for the United States to fully implement a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, warning that the Strait of Hormuz and the wider West Asia region could see further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
The warning came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high over the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has maintained that the full implementation of the MoU is necessary for reopening the strategic waterway. At the same time, Tehran says it is working with Oman to finalise a separate arrangement for managing maritime traffic through the strait.
Iran shifts from defensive to offensive posture
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran has set a timeline for Washington to implement the MoU and has conveyed it to the US.
The official also said Iran was shifting from a defensive posture to a “fully offensive” policy.
Tehran has warned that it will not allow the US naval blockade of Iranian ports to continue indefinitely and has threatened a broader escalation if diplomatic efforts fail.
Trump threatens Oman over Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has separately issued a warning to Oman over its involvement in talks with Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump reportedly told Fox News that the US would respond forcefully if Oman interfered with the blockade.
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the sh*t out of them,” Trump said, according to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst.
Trump also called on Iran to “put up the white flag of surrender”, while saying he was not working to a specific timetable.
Iran and Oman near shipping agreement
Iranian officials said Tehran and Muscat had reached an understanding on a proposed maritime transit route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two sides had reached an understanding on “the map of the transit route” and were working to finalise a joint statement.
The proposed arrangement is focused on managing commercial shipping through the strategic waterway and is separate from stalled ceasefire discussions between Iran and the US.
Houthis claim attacks on Saudi vessels
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group said it had attacked what it described as a Saudi military vessel and four escort ships in the Red Sea using missiles.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the attacks were carried out as part of the group’s confrontation with Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have accused Riyadh of imposing a blockade on Yemen, a claim Saudi Arabia has rejected.
Trump reiterates Iran nuclear demand
Trump also reiterated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains Washington’s top priority.
“Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a nuclear weapon,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social, describing the issue as the US government’s “number one goal”.
The comments came after Vice President JD Vance identified energy security and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons among Washington’s key objectives in the conflict.