The renewed escalation between Washington and Tehran could continue for about another month, Axios reported, citing a US official.

According to the source, the current escalation could end within a day or two, last a week, or stretch into a month.

The outlet said the White House believes the United States still has room to further raise pressure in the region and is prepared for a force-based scenario. Axios sources said US strikes on Iran are intended to make Tehran understand the seriousness of Washington’s intentions.

US officials believe the duration of the new phase of the conflict with Iran will depend on Tehran’s next steps around the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is seeking to restore freedom of navigation through the route.

Axios noted that disagreements over the status of the Strait of Hormuz are putting at risk the previously agreed US-Iranian memorandum of understanding, as the two sides interpret its provisions differently.

Overnight on July 8, the US military carried out a series of powerful strikes on Iranian territory. Iran then announced retaliatory attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Tehran also accused Washington of violating the memorandum on ending hostilities.

Overnight on July 9, US Central Command said American forces had hit around 90 targets in Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in turn, said it had struck two US bases in Kuwait and two more in Bahrain in response to US actions.