A senior adviser to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that Iranian authorities have observed a perceived weakness in the American military since the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran earlier this year, with ongoing negotiations to end the conflict facing delays.
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 when questioned about their victory in the war. Naqdi, who serves as the supreme adviser to IRGC’s commander-in-chief, expressed confidence in their current and future success.
Following a temporary agreement reached between Washington and Tehran in mid-June to halt hostilities, which is due to expire soon, Naqdi’s remarks come amidst a breakdown in the ceasefire leading to exchanges of strikes between the U.S. and Iran for over two weeks before a temporary halt.
Naqdi emphasized the importance of the ongoing conflict in providing Iran with valuable experience in warfare against the U.S., noting an apparent weakness in the American military compared to previous perceptions.
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed U.S. control over the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the effectiveness of the naval blockade in place.
Efforts to resume peace negotiations between Iran and the U.S. have continued, with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister engaging in discussions with Iranian officials in Islamabad. Talks have been hindered by disagreements over Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz and accusations from both sides regarding the fulfillment of commitments under the existing agreement.
Despite thousands of casualties in the conflict, efforts are ongoing to reach a final agreement to limit Tehran’s nuclear program and lift U.S. sanctions, with heightened rhetoric from both Iran and the U.S. in recent days. Iran’s security official has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless the U.S. accepts their conditions for ending the war, while Trump has demanded compensation from Iran for past actions.
