Iran’s top adviser to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has expressed that Iranian officials have perceived the American military as weaker than previously thought since the U.S. and Israel launched an attack on Iran in February. Talks to end the conflict have hit a stalemate despite an interim deal between the U.S. and Iran set to expire soon.
In a rare interview with Western media, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi remarked that Iran has not yet achieved its “final objective” in the war when questioned about victory. Naqdi, who serves as the supreme adviser to the IRGC’s commander-in-chief, stated, “Up until now, we are victorious. In the future, we will continue to be victorious.”
The ceasefire between the two nations collapsed weeks ago, leading to a series of strikes before a temporary pause. Naqdi highlighted the learning experience gained from the 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… In these five months, we have learned how.”
President Donald Trump reaffirmed U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the strength of the naval blockade. The conflict, which began with coordinated military actions against Iran in the Persian Gulf, has seen fluctuating statements from Trump regarding peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan continues its efforts to mediate peace talks between Iran and the U.S., with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meeting Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam in Islamabad. Talks have slowed due to disputes over the vital Strait of Hormuz, with accusations from both sides regarding the terms of the agreement.
As the conflict persists, casualties have mounted, with Iran targeting U.S. assets across various countries. The ceasefire agreement set a deadline for reaching a final deal on Tehran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions, but tensions have escalated in recent days with both sides ramping up their rhetoric.