TEHRAN THREATENS ATTACK IF DIPLOMACY FAILS

TEHRAN, AUGUST 17 /SRNA–Reuters/ – Tehran has decided to shift its policy from defensive to fully offensive due to the lack of progress in efforts to achieve a lasting end to the war with the United States, an unnamed Iranian official said.

"Iranian forces and citizens must be prepared for an escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider region, as Tehran will be ready to make decisions and take measures regarding difficult decisions," the Iranian official said.

He added that Tehran would carry out a timely and precise military attack to break through the US naval blockade if diplomacy fails.

Trump expressed doubt that Iran would reach an agreement with the United States that he considers favourable, and reiterated the idea that Washington could take control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The deadline by which Iran and the United States were expected to reach a final agreement based on a memorandum of understanding expired today.