Iranian authorities have indicated a potential shift in their military posture, suggesting a transition toward more offensive operations in the ongoing conflict with the United States. This development coincides with the official expiration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that had previously governed aspects of the hostilities.
Brigadier General Yadollah Javani, who heads the political bureau of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated on Sunday that his forces are prepared to undertake necessary actions to defend the nation. While emphasizing that Iranian efforts have remained defensive thus far, he noted that they could soon take on an offensive aspect. Javani did not provide specific details regarding these measures but cautioned that adversaries should anticipate “strategic surprises.”
The MoU, which effectively collapsed following a resurgence in fighting last month, officially reaches its end on Monday. Despite this, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has downplayed the significance of the expiration, asserting that it does not fundamentally alter the state of the conflict or ongoing negotiations with Oman regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that Iran does not formulate policy based on external pressure or deadlines, adding that decisions are made solely based on national security interests.
Negotiations with Oman aimed at a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz have faced delays. Baghaei attributed these setbacks to complex legal and technical issues, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the interference of “ill-wishing parties” attempting to obstruct the process. Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the now-expired MoU as a “document of pride and victory,” asserting that Iran has emerged from the conflict with the US and Israel in a position of strength.
The rhetoric from Tehran follows the recent appointment of Major General Ahmad Vahidi as commander-in-chief of the IRGC. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has directed that Vahidi’s leadership focus on a strategy combining “maximum deterrence” with readiness for “powerful offensive operations.” Vahidi claimed that Iranian forces have successfully “brought to its knees” the most heavily armed military in history since the onset of intense fighting on February 28.
Tensions remain high following comments from US President Donald Trump, who recently reiterated his claim that Iran had been defeated by a naval blockade and suggested the Strait of Hormuz would soon be declared US territory. Although the White House later characterized the remark as a joke, the response from Tehran was swift. Army chief Amir Hatami announced a bounty of $30,000 for the capture or neutralization of any US soldier involved in ground operations on Iranian soil, with a double reward offered for women who achieve the same.
Military planning within Iran appears to be focused on preventing potential ground incursions. Mohsen Rezaee, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, suggested that the US previously considered ground operations but abandoned them due to “half-baked plans.” Rezaee argued that a successful invasion of the Strait of Hormuz would require a force of at least 100,000 troops, far exceeding the scale of recent air campaigns that targeted infrastructure across 50 cities.
In preparation for potential escalations, the IRGC has reinforced coastal areas and islands, including critical oil export terminals on Kharg Island. Army spokesman Mohammad-Reza Akraminia confirmed that the military’s primary objective is to block any foreign landings, warning that US forces would be targeted immediately upon entering Iranian territory.
Beyond the maritime front, Iranian officials are monitoring potential unrest near the borders with Iraq, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The IRGC has continued to conduct missile and drone strikes against armed groups in Iraqi Kurdistan to maintain internal security.
IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi previously identified US energy networks, power plants, and digital infrastructure as potential targets if Washington chooses to strike Iranian civilian facilities. Furthermore, some hardline political factions have discussed the possibility of retaliatory incursions against US interests in Bahrain and Kuwait should an invasion occur.
Despite the aggressive posturing, analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of such ground operations and noted that there is currently no evidence of an imminent US plan for a land invasion of Iran. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the end of the diplomatic framework established in June. The report also notes that he added, women would be given twice the reward if they managed such a feat. The report also notes that “Our hands are open in terms of reaching the aggressors and they will become more open through our initiatives,” Hatami said, referencing recent Iranian attacks on US forces in Jordan. The report also notes that instead attacking about 50 cities in 15 provinces, rezaee said that the US Central Command had refrained from hitting Tehran or northern Iran during the two-week flareup in fighting in July. The report also notes that he believed that the purpose of the air raids was to prepare for a ground assault to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and potentially reach nuclear facilities in Isfahan, where highly-enriched uranium is suspected of being buried under the rubble of US strikes. The report also notes that bridges, roads, maritime control towers, radar and other coastal installations, and military facilities were struck to cut off logistical supplies to southern Iran, Rezaee noted. The report also notes that “They had not calculated that to land troops for the Strait of Hormuz, it’s not doable with 40,000-50,000 soldiers, you must bring at least 100,000 people,” he said. The report also notes that “You must cross the Zagros Mountains and be able to pass the Fars province.”. The report also notes that iranian media and commanders have reported in recent weeks that scenarios are in place to defend individual islands and coastal areas in southern Iran that the US military might consider seizing.
