‘We have learned how to fight America’: What IRGC’s Mohammad Reza Naqdi said about Iran’s long-term war strategy
'We Have Learned How to Fight': Iran's Long-Term Strategy Against America
Theindiapostdaily.com – We have learned how to fight — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has signaled that Tehran is prepared for a prolonged conflict with the United States. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior adviser to the IRGC commander-in-chief, stated in a rare interview with US broadcaster PBS that the war could continue until the end of US President Donald Trump's term in January 2029.
Naqdi emphasized that Iran's objective extends beyond mere survival. The nation aims to build sufficient deterrence to prevent future attacks. "The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain," Naqdi said, adding that Iran had learned how to fight the US during the five months of conflict.
Why Iran Wants to Prolong the Conflict
According to Naqdi, prolonging the conflict serves multiple strategic purposes. "We have to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack us so we can live with security," he explained. One key method involves extending the war until the next US presidential term, thereby causing enough attrition to make any future attack on Iran more costly.
The comments suggest that Tehran views a lengthy conflict not merely as a military burden but as part of a broader strategy to deter future US or Israeli action. This approach aligns with what Bloomberg reported as a shift in Iran's military doctrine toward a more offensive posture.
Lessons Learned and Military Capabilities
"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," Naqdi told PBS.
Naqdi claimed that Iran had discovered weaknesses in the US military and said Washington's war objectives had not been achieved. According to the IRGC adviser, Iran had so far prevented the US from achieving what he described as its two main objectives: removing Iran's leadership and breaking up the country. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Tehran had not yet reached its "final objective."
Despite questions over Iran's remaining missile stockpile, Naqdi claimed that the country's daily missile production exceeds the number of missiles it launches. "The number of missiles we manufacture every day is more than the number we launch," he said. He declined to disclose where or how the missiles were being manufactured, saying Iran had "various ways to manufacture them securely."
Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Stance
Naqdi defended Iran's actions against vessels attempting to transit waters it considers under its control. He argued that during wartime, Tehran could restrict passage through areas it regarded as a threat. His comments came as the US and Iran remained at odds over the reopening of the waterway, with both sides claiming control and demanding concessions.
Before the war, about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the strait. Maritime traffic through Hormuz had continued, but at significantly lower levels than before the conflict, according to Bloomberg.
On the nuclear front, Naqdi dismissed the idea that Iran needed nuclear weapons to deter the US. Asked by PBS about the possibility of Washington using a nuclear weapon, he warned that doing so could trigger severe consequences for the US. He also rejected the argument that Iran was pursuing a nuclear bomb, saying Tehran's "nuclear bomb" was the support of people around the world.
"There is no need for nuclear bombs. There is no need for slaughter," he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mohammad Reza Naqdi say about Iran's war strategy?
Naqdi stated that Iran has learned how to fight America and aims to prolong the conflict to build deterrence. He believes the war could last until January 2029, allowing Iran to gain experience and make future attacks more costly for the US.
Does Iran plan to use nuclear weapons in the conflict?
No. Naqdi explicitly rejected the notion that Iran needs nuclear weapons, stating that Tehran's "nuclear bomb" is the support of people around the world. He warned that US use of nuclear weapons could trigger severe consequences.
How is Iran maintaining its missile supply?
According to Naqdi, Iran's daily missile production exceeds the number of missiles launched. He mentioned that Iran has "various ways to manufacture them securely" and could continue launching rockets even if the conflict lasts for years.
What is Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran claims the right to restrict passage through waters it considers under its control during wartime. While maritime traffic has continued through the strait, it has done so at significantly lower levels than before the conflict began.