Kathmandu— Iranian authorities have indicated a potential shift towards more offensive military action against the United States following the expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries. Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) political bureau, stated on Sunday that Iranian forces are prepared to take any necessary steps to defend the nation, signaling a willingness to move beyond purely defensive strategies. This comes after US President Donald Trump claimed the US would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz its territory and as tensions remain high despite a ceasefire agreed in June, with both sides accusing the other of escalating conflict.

Escalating Rhetoric and Potential Targets

IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi last week identified infrastructure belonging to the US and its regional allies – including energy networks, power plants, and internet-connected systems – as potential targets should the US strike Iranian civilian infrastructure. Hardline politicians and media have even discussed the possibility of a ground incursion into Bahrain and Kuwait if Iran were invaded by the United States. While analysts question the feasibility of such an operation, the rhetoric underscores Tehran’s increasingly assertive stance.

Supreme Leader Consolidates Power

The emphasis on offensive deterrence coincides with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei consolidating his power through appointments of IRGC veterans to key military and security positions. Khamenei stated that Major General Ahmad Vahidi’s appointment as commander-in-chief of the IRGC should represent a combination of “maximum deterrence” alongside readiness for “powerful offensive operations against the enemy.” Vahidi claimed Iranian armed forces had managed to “bring to its knees the most heavily-armed army in world history” following recent clashes with US and Israeli forces.

Concerns Over Strait of Hormuz Control

Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, suggested that the Trump administration may have considered ground operations but abandoned them due to inadequate planning. He claimed US Central Command avoided targeting Tehran or northern Iran during July’s fighting, instead focusing on 50 cities across 15 provinces in an attempt to prepare for a potential land assault aimed at controlling the Strait of Hormuz and reaching nuclear facilities in Isfahan. Rezaee asserted that seizing control would require significantly more than the estimated 40,000-50,000 soldiers initially considered, citing logistical challenges posed by the Zagros Mountains and Fars province.

Defensive Preparations and Regional Security

Iranian media reports indicate preparations to defend islands and coastal areas in southern Iran that the US military might attempt to seize, including critical oil export terminals on Kharg Island. Army spokesman Mohammad-Reza Akraminia stated last week that Iranian forces aim to prevent any foreign troops from landing on its territory, vowing to target them “on our own islands, let alone on other countries’ soil.” Authorities are also prepared for potential unrest stemming from separatist groups along Iran’s borders with Iraq, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with the IRGC reportedly bolstering defenses and continuing strikes against armed groups in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Javani stated that the Strait of Hormuz will only fully reopen when Washington implements commitments agreed under the MoU signed in June, while Iranian officials dismissed the expiration as having little significance. Talks with Oman regarding a partial reopening have been delayed due to legal and technical complexities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.