A senior advisor to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has remarked that the American military is not as strong as initially thought following the U.S. and Israel’s joint attack on Iran in February. Talks to end the conflict have hit a standstill.
Speaking in a rare interview with Western media, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi stated that Iran has not yet achieved its ultimate goal in the war. Naqdi, who serves as the supreme advisor to the IRGC’s commander-in-chief, expressed confidence in Iran’s current and future success.
An initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran to halt hostilities was reached in June but is set to expire soon. Naqdi’s comments come after a recent breakdown in the ceasefire led to an exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran.
Naqdi emphasized the value of the ongoing conflict, stating, “The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain. We had never seen a real war to gain real experience to learn how to fight with America.” He also noted a perceived weakness in the American military.
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the U.S.’s control over the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Since the onset of the Persian Gulf war, Trump has vacillated between threats of escalation and optimism about a peace deal.
In parallel efforts, Pakistan is actively working to revive peace talks between Iran and the U.S. Pakistani officials have engaged in discussions with Iranian counterparts to explore extending the June peace agreement deadline.
Negotiations have faltered primarily over Iran’s control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Accusations have been exchanged, with the U.S. claiming Iran’s non-compliance in reopening the strait, while Iran alleges U.S. breaches of commitments.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Iran targeting U.S. assets in various countries. Both nations have intensified their rhetoric in recent days, with Iran insisting on its conditions for ending the war and Trump demanding compensation from Iran for past conflicts.