A former US State Department diplomat, pointing to the possibility of new adventurism by Washington against Tehran, stated that "Iran might launch a preemptive strike, as it has been caught off guard twice before."

Alan Eyre, a former US State Department diplomat and fellow at the Middle East Institute, noted the stalemate in the US-Iran conflict, observing that both sides remain hopeful that increasing pressure will force the other to back down.

He emphasized that, given the perceived existential threat to the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is unlikely Tehran would relinquish its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to TRT World about the current situation between Iran and the US, Eyre said: "Stalemate and confrontation. There isn't much change in the situation."

He added: "At some point, the US will likely attack Iran. Iran, too, might launch a preemptive strike, having been caught off guard twice before. Thus, the outlook does not appear promising."

Referring to recent remarks by US Vice President-elect J.D. Vance regarding the potential acceptance of some level of uranium enrichment in Iran, the former diplomat noted that such a stance could signal a shift in US "red lines" concerning the nuclear dossier.

However, the situation remains deadlocked, as Iran currently shows no inclination to initiate nuclear negotiations, while the Donald Trump administration has made such talks a prerequisite.