Iran says it fought an asymmetric war against the US, despite not being stronger, says Ghalibaf

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, in a televised address cited by Press TV, said Iran fended off the United States using asymmetric warfare and that Iran’s planning and preparation pushed back the enemy. He acknowledged the United States has greater military power, equipment, and combat experience, but argued those factors did not determine the outcome and attributed the difference to strategy. He criticized US policy as prioritizing Israel and said Iran only agreed to a ceasefire after its terms were accepted, adding that pressure tactics failed to secure concessions. Ghalibaf stated Iran’s forces remain on alert and that war could break out at any moment, emphasizing a lack of trust in the enemy. He said he warned a US delegation in Islamabad about escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran would respond if minesweepers moved from their position, asserting Tehran controls the waterway and could restrict traffic if pressure continued. Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, reopening briefly for limited transit but indicating it would close again until US restrictions are lifted and accusing Washington of breaching the ceasefire. The IRGC said the closure was in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. Reports also cited attacks on vessels near the strait, including gunfire from Iranian boats and damage to a container ship, with at least two Indian merchant ships reportedly hit while crossing the waterway.