Iran Threatens Offensive Shift as Trump Rejects 60-Day Ceasefire Extension

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo! Voices · Aug 17

A June 17 memorandum that gave Iran and the U.S. 60 days to reach a broader peace deal expired Monday without an extension, prompting Tehran to warn it would move to a "fully offensive" posture.
Iran said stalled diplomacy and Washington's refusal to prolong the interim pact could trigger a "timely and precise" attack to break the U.S. naval blockade and escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also threatened Oman over separate talks with Iran on managing the strait, even as U.S. back-channel contacts with the IRGC appeared to continue through an Iraqi Kurdish intermediary.
Brent crude settled up more than $2 at $90.87 a barrel after peaking at $126 during the war, while U.S. gasoline has climbed above $4 a gallon ahead of November congressional elections.