Iran has warned it is prepared to resume military confrontation with the United States if ongoing negotiations fail, as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and regional security continue to escalate.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains ready for direct conflict while accusing Washington of prolonging economic instability through threats of war.

In comments published on Friday, Araghchi argued that the conflict has increased inflationary pressure in the US, particularly through rising energy prices and borrowing costs.

The warning comes amid continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply normally passes. Iranian officials have insisted that any future agreement with Washington must recognise Tehran’s authority over the strategic waterway — a demand opposed by Gulf states that maintain the strait is an international passage.

Iranian parliament security commission chairman, Ebrahim Azizi said Tehran is preparing a new mechanism to regulate maritime traffic through the strait, including possible transit fees for commercial vessels. He added that countries cooperating with Iran would receive preferential access.

Economic pressure continues to mount inside Iran, where official figures show food inflation exceeding 100 percent in recent months. Prices of basic commodities, medicine, vehicles and electronics have surged, while the Iranian rial remains near historic lows against the US dollar.

At the same time, Iranian authorities have intensified domestic mobilisation efforts. State television aired programmes showing presenters and military figures handling assault rifles and encouraging public participation in pro-government rallies and weapons training exercises.

Security forces and armoured vehicles remain heavily deployed across major Iranian cities following deadly anti-government protests earlier this year, which Tehran blamed on foreign interference.

Authorities have also maintained strict internet restrictions and continued arrests and executions linked to alleged dissent during the conflict.

The latest developments follow unsuccessful negotiations between Tehran and Washington last month, with Iran citing deep mistrust of the US as a major obstacle to reaching an agreement. Tehran has, however, indicated openness to mediation efforts by China following recent discussions involving US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.