Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that the country won a recent conflict by using an asymmetric war strategy. He made these remarks during a Saturday television interview. This approach allowed Iran to push back an enemy with far greater financial and military resources, according to Qalibaf.
The speaker emphasized that material advantages do not guarantee victory. He noted that the United States possesses superior money, equipment, and combat experience. Nevertheless, Iran succeeded through meticulous planning and preparation. This success came directly from applying an asymmetric war strategy. Qalibaf explained that the enemy made strategic errors. “They miscalculate regarding our people,” he said. For example, he pointed to the enemy’s overconfidence in its resources. In addition, he noted that the enemy ignored Iran’s ability to adapt quickly.
Qalibaf also discussed a tense encounter in the Strait of Hormuz. He personally warned a U.S. delegation in Islamabad against escalation. Specifically, he told the American team that Iranian forces would fire at any minesweeper that moved from its position. Consequently, the U.S. delegation asked for 15 minutes to relay a retreat order. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy then foiled a minesweeping operation. As a result, the American ships turned back without achieving their goal.
The Iranian parliament speaker led his country’s delegation during talks in Pakistan’s capital last week. The discussions focused on a ceasefire. Qalibaf asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s full control. About 20% of the world’s oil passes through this strategic waterway. Therefore, he warned that traffic restrictions would follow if the U.S. does not abandon its blockade. Nonetheless, he expressed openness to continued dialogue.
Qalibaf highlighted significant improvements in Iran’s air defenses. He claimed forces successfully struck approximately 180 drones in the recent war. This capability did not exist during previous conflicts. He also mentioned hitting a U.S. F-35 fighter jet with a nearby missile explosion. The explosion sent a clear deterrent message to the enemy. That message highlighted Iran’s effective asymmetric war strategy once again. In fact, he described the F-35 strike as a deliberate signal of Iran’s growing technical abilities.
The top lawmaker outlined Iran’s strategy of combining military readiness with diplomatic engagement. “The moment the enemy makes a mistake, we are ready,” he stated. He added that Tehran has no trust in its adversaries. Meanwhile, negotiations continue, but the armed forces remain fully prepared on the ground. He sees no difference between the battlefield and the negotiation table. Finally, he emphasized that both tracks serve the same national goal.
Qalibaf praised Iranian citizens for their nightly street gatherings. These rallies have continued for nearly 50 nights in support of the armed forces. He also criticized the Trump administration for prioritizing Israel over America. Specifically, he claimed the U.S. makes decisions based on false information from Israel. Therefore, he argued that Washington’s strategy remains fundamentally flawed.
Iran accepted a ceasefire only because the U.S. met its demands, Qalibaf said. He ruled out any capitulation in diplomacy. The country’s political and military structure proved resilient even after the loss of top commanders. He vowed that Iran would respond swiftly to any enemy aggression. Consequently, the armed forces stand firmer today than before the ceasefire, he concluded.