A senior Iranian security official has stated that Tehran will determine when the war comes to an end, underscoring the country’s readiness to sustain offensive operations for an extended period. According to CNN, the official dismissed earlier American assessments suggesting the conflict would last only a few days, describing them as fundamentally flawed.
The official also rejected statements by Marco Rubio, who indicated that the fighting could conclude within weeks, calling such expectations unrealistic. Emphasising Iran’s stance, he declared, “This is our war, and we will not stop defending ourselves until we deliver a historic lesson to Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu.”
Prepared for Long Term Operations
The unnamed official confirmed that Iran’s arsenal of missiles and drones remains fully operational and capable of sustaining long term military engagements. This reflects Tehran’s confidence in its ability to endure the confrontation despite the significant strikes it has faced in recent weeks.
At the same time, Iran is actively strengthening its air defence systems. This includes adapting deployment patterns, monitoring flight paths used by hostile aircraft entering Iranian airspace, and introducing new equipment designed to impose stricter operational constraints on its adversaries.
Conflicting Narratives Between Tehran and Washington
These statements come as Washington continues to assert that its military operations have significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities. During a visit to France ahead of a G7 meeting, Rubio claimed that Iran would be “weaker than it has been in modern history” within weeks.
However, Tehran’s messaging presents a starkly different narrative, one centred on prolonging the conflict and maintaining strategic initiative. Iranian officials emphasise that control over the trajectory of the war remains firmly in their hands, even as hostilities intensify across the region.
Ongoing War and Regional Escalation
Since February 28, the United States and Israel have been engaged in a sustained military campaign against Iran, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including senior leadership figures such as former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and multiple security officials.
In response, Iran has launched missiles and drones toward Israel and has targeted what it describes as American interests across several Arab countries. These operations have led to further casualties, injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure, reflecting the widening scope and intensity of the conflict.
