As the 60-day ceasefire period tied to the memorandum of understanding expires, Iranian officials continued Monday to project confidence in their confrontation with the Trump administration. At the same time, President Trump renewed his threats against the Islamic Republic during a phone interview with Fox News, saying of the Iranians: “They’re good poker players, but they’re dying.”

Trump said the Iranian regime should surrender. “They should raise the white flag,” he said. “I don’t have a timetable. I’m not in a rush. If the war resumes, we will lead and Israel will support.” The president added that the midterm elections are not influencing his decisions regarding Iran.

Trump also issued a warning to Oman, which is involved in negotiations with Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. “If they get in our way, we’ll bomb them,” he said. Trump also dismissed reports that U.S. ammunition stockpiles are running low, saying that what the United States has used until now has been relatively minor.

Gaza also came up during the interview, with Trump saying Israel should stop striking Gaza after Hamas agreed to disarm.

Regarding Israel’s elections, Trump indicated that he is in no rush to back Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is leaving the issue open. “The best thing for us is not to get involved in it — but I may endorse someone,” Trump said.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran’s leadership has decided to change its military doctrine, formally shifting from a defensive posture to a “full offensive policy.” According to the official, Iran has set a firm deadline of only several weeks for the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding with the United States.

The official said the timetable will be conveyed in the coming days to the United States and regional countries through mediators. Tehran is warning that if diplomatic efforts fail, the response will be immediate and severe.

“All Iranian bodies are prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and across the entire region if diplomacy fails,” the official said.

The official added that Iran does not intend to continue tolerating the military and economic pressure being placed on it. “Iran will not wait for the United States to continue the naval blockade indefinitely,” he said.

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