Key facts
- Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed the US used more firepower against Iran than during the Vietnam War.
- Ghalibaf stated Iran relied on asymmetric warfare and strategic planning to counter the US.
- Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed ongoing talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ghalibaf warned that Iran's armed forces remain on high alert despite a paused conflict.
- Iran had previously closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping in response to a US naval blockade.
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that the United States employed more firepower against Iran than it did during the Vietnam War. Speaking at an event broadcast by state broadcaster IRIB, Ghalibaf emphasized that Tehran must achieve a "point of deterrence" to prevent being drawn into a cycle of conflict.
In separate remarks, Ghalibaf stated that Iran managed to repel a stronger adversary, the US, through strategic planning and asymmetric warfare, despite not matching American military power. He noted that while the US possessed greater equipment and experience, its strategic planning and understanding of the Iranian people were flawed. Ghalibaf also criticized US policy for its continued prioritization of Israel and asserted that Iran only agreed to a ceasefire after its conditions were met.
Despite the current pause in hostilities, Ghalibaf indicated that Iran's armed forces remain fully prepared and on alert, warning that conflict could resume at any time. He also referenced prior warnings to a US delegation in Islamabad regarding potential escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating Iran would respond if US minesweepers entered the waterway.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that diplomatic talks with Oman are ongoing concerning shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Araghchi cautioned that the reopening of the waterway is contingent upon the US adhering to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in June. Earlier, Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping in response to a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, a move the US stated would continue until a peace agreement is reached.