IRGC Adviser Says 5-Month War Should Drag Into Next U.S. Term
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 11
IRGC Adviser Says 5-Month War Should Drag Into Next U.S. Term
3 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · Aug 11
Summary
Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a top IRGC adviser, used a rare interview with Western media to say Iran may prolong the 5-month war into the next U.S. presidential term to achieve deterrence through attrition.
Naqdi said Iran has already defeated Washington's aims of toppling Iran's leadership and breaking up the country, and argued Tehran grows stronger the longer the conflict lasts.
On the Strait of Hormuz, he defended attacks on non-military ships as wartime control of a route Iran can dominate, saying vessels could be carrying supplies for the enemy.
He also claimed Iran manufactures more missiles each day than it fires, warned U.S. economic interests worldwide could be targeted, and said a U.S. nuclear strike would trigger occupation of American bases.
The interview offered a rare public window into IRGC war aims as the conflict remains in stalemate; the White House replied that Iran should agree to a deal or "know what will happen."