Iran has pivoted to a policy of "full offense" and will escalate attacks in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington fails to implement a temporary peace memorandum, a senior Iranian official told Reuters. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf demanded the lifting of oil sanctions and an end to military threats before Tehran reopens the waterway.
The escalation follows a drone attack on Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani's office and a regional intelligence chief's residence in Erbil using two Iranian-made explosive drones, prompting Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to order an investigation. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack condemned the strike. Meanwhile, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed a missile attack on a Saudi warship and four escorts in the Red Sea.
President Trump confirmed an informal communication channel with the IRGC, though the Guards denied back-channel talks. Brent crude rose to $91.14 per barrel as deal prospects faded.