Iran shifts to offensive strategy amid stalled US diplomacy

Half a year into its conflict with the United States, Iran's military is transitioning from a defensive stance to a more aggressive offensive strategy. This shift aims to break the ongoing diplomatic stalemate and compel US concessions regarding the naval blockade and energy trade. Since the US-Israeli strikes that sparked the war on February 28, Tehran has characterized its actions against the US, Israel, and Gulf nations as retaliatory. However, Iranian leaders are now emphasizing offensive operations while ensuring control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint affecting global energy supplies and prices. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei articulated this new direction during a military leadership reshuffle, advocating for enhanced deterrence and readiness for large-scale offensive actions. A Revolutionary Guards deputy commander noted that Tehran is adjusting its military strategy to prioritize offensive capabilities. Analyst Sina Toossi from the Centre for International Policy views this change as a recognition that if confrontation is inevitable, Iran should act decisively and earlier, rather than allowing the US or Israel to dictate the conflict's terms.