Iran Warns of "Fully Offensive" Shift... Trump Tells Tehran "Wave the White Flag of Surrender"

Deadline for 60-Day Truce Talks Expires
Iran: "Precision Military Strike If Diplomacy Fails"
Trump: "Iran Must Never Have Nuclear Weapons"

Iran has warned that it will shift from its previous defensive posture to a "fully offensive" stance, citing the deadlock in negotiations to end hostilities with the United States. Iran stated that if diplomatic efforts fail, it is prepared to launch a military attack to break the U.S. maritime blockade. U.S. President Donald Trump has countered by telling Iran, "You must wave the white flag of surrender," as tensions between the two sides are once again rising.

According to foreign media reports on August 17 (local time), a senior Iranian official stated, "As efforts to permanently end the war with the United States have reached an impasse, Iran has decided to shift from a defensive policy to 'fully offensive.'"

The official added, "Iranian agencies must prepare to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding region," and emphasized, "Iran is ready to make tough decisions and take action." The official further warned that, in the event diplomacy fails, Iran will carry out a "timely and precise" military strike to break the U.S. maritime blockade.

On June 17, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) stating that both sides would immediately and permanently halt all-out military operations and reach a final agreement within 60 days, covering a wide range of issues including Iran's nuclear program. The MOU allowed the negotiation deadline to be extended if both parties agreed to do so. August 17 marks the expiration of the 60-day negotiation period specified in the MOU.

However, the agreement effectively collapsed due to disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed that Article 5 of the MOU granted it the authority to manage the strait, but the United States did not accept this interpretation. Subsequently, after Iran attacked ships using unauthorized routes, military clashes resumed. President Trump declared on July 7 that the MOU was "over."

President Trump also reiterated his hardline stance. During an interview with Fox News, he said of Iran, "They must wave the white flag of surrender." Regarding a specific timetable to end the war, he stated, "There is no timetable. I am not in a hurry."

Also on August 17, President Trump emphasized on Truth Social, "My number one objective, as it was before and always will be, is to ensure that Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon in any way, shape, or form," stressing once again that the denuclearization of Iran remains his top priority.

He dismissed speculation that the prolonged conflict and high oil prices could become a political liability ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. President Trump insisted, "The midterm elections have nothing to do with what I think," emphasizing that the elections will not affect his Iran strategy.

He also issued a stern warning to Oman, which has been holding separate discussions with Iran regarding transit through the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump used harsh language, implying that Oman could be bombed if it interferes with the negotiations.

Oman and Iran are engaged in negotiations to normalize commercial vessel operations in the Strait of Hormuz, but no specific agreement has been reached yet.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.