A senior adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has mentioned that Iranian officials have observed a perceived weakness in the American military since the U.S. and Israel initiated an attack on Iran earlier this year. Talks to resolve the conflict have hit a standstill.
Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, in a rare interview with Western media, shared with PBS News Hour that Iran has not yet achieved their ultimate goal in the war. Naqdi, the supreme adviser to the IRGC’s commander-in-chief, expressed confidence in their current and future success.
An initial agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities was reached in June and is due to expire soon. Naqdi’s remarks come following a breakdown in the ceasefire, leading to exchanges of attacks between the U.S. and Iran for over two weeks.
Naqdi highlighted the valuable experience gained during the ongoing conflict, emphasizing that they have learned how to combat the U.S. effectively. He also noted the perceived weakness in the American military compared to previous assumptions.
U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed the U.S.’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the strength of the naval blockade in a recent social media post. The conflict in the Persian Gulf, which began with coordinated military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, has seen fluctuating rhetoric from Trump regarding escalation and peace prospects.
In parallel efforts, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister engaged in discussions with the Iranian Ambassador in a bid to restart peace negotiations between Iran and the U.S. Pakistan remains committed to facilitating dialogue and potentially extending the deadline for the existing agreement.
The deadlock in talks revolves around Iran’s control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil trade route, with accusations from both sides regarding unmet obligations. Casualties have been reported in the conflict, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, with Iran targeting U.S. assets in various countries.
The initial ceasefire deal aimed to establish a final agreement within a specified timeline, during which nuclear program limitations and sanction relief were to be negotiated. Recent statements from Iranian and U.S. officials indicate heightened tensions and diverging demands, including Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz and Trump’s call for compensation for historical grievances.
