[[{"content_id":416590,"content_number":0,"portal_id":2,"lang_id":"en","content_title":"Iran pushed back enemy in recent war using asymmetric warfare strategy: Qalibaf","content_rtitr":"","content_short_title":null,"content_summary":"Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, in remarks on Saturday, said the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully pushed back the enemy despite its superior financial and material resources by applying the asymmetric warfare strategy.","content_summary_fill":1,"content_body":"Qalibaf made the remarks in a television interview aired on Saturday night.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"We fought an asymmetric war in such a way that we pushed back the enemy," he said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAccording to the top lawmaker and lead negotiator, the enemy's shortcomings were not in resources but in strategy.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"The enemy had money and resources, but they did not act correctly in terms of design," Qalibaf stated. "They make strategic errors. They miscalculate regarding our people, just as they miscalculate in their own military design."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf said the US possesses superior military power, experience, and resources, but the Islamic Republic of Iran emerged as the victor in the recent war by fighting an asymmetric war and pushing back the enemy through meticulous planning and preparation.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"We are not stronger than the United States in military power," he said. "It is clear that they have more money, equipment, and resources, and because they have committed so much aggression around the world, their experience is also greater than ours."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe, however, emphasized that material advantages do not guarantee victory.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"Certainly, equipment, resources, and money are effective in war and victory, but it is not always the case," Qalibaf noted.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe attributed Iran's success to strategic ingenuity. "We fought an asymmetric war in such a way that we pushed back the enemy through our own planning and preparation," he said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"The enemy had money and resources, but they did not act correctly in terms of design."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe also slammed the Trump administration for putting ‘Israel First’ before ‘America First’.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"The US government claims that 'America First' matters to it, but in practice, it has shown that Israel comes first for it, because it makes decisions based on Israel's false information."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe asserted that Iran accepted the ceasefire because the US accepted its demands.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"Consolidating the rights of the nation must be our main goal. And rest assured, there will be no capitulation in the field of diplomacy," Qalibaf said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe said that when the enemy could not impose its demands on the Iranian nation through military power, could not influence us with its ultimatums, and saw that the Iranian armed forces were standing firm on the battlefield, it sent messages through various countries.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"Of course, today we are standing even firmer than the day before the ceasefire was established," Qalibaf said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nReady to respond to any aggression\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf said Iran remains firmly positioned on the battlefield and stands ready to respond the moment the enemy makes any mistake, emphasizing that the armed forces are fully prepared even as diplomatic negotiations continue.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe outlined Iran's dual-track approach of military readiness and diplomatic engagement.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"As long as we pursued matters on the battlefield and militarily, we stood firm, and today we stand firm as well," he said. "The moment the enemy makes a mistake, we are ready."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe parliament speaker and lead negotiator stressed that Tehran has no trust in its adversaries, warning that Iran’s response will be swift to any act of enemy aggression.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"Because we have no trust in the enemy," Qalibaf stated. "Even at this very moment, as we sit here, war could break out. The armed forces are fully prepared on the ground."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe dismissed any suggestion that ongoing negotiations might lead to complacency regarding the matters of national defense.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"It is not the case that we think just because we are negotiating, the armed forces are not ready," he said. "Rather, just as the people are in the streets, our armed forces are also ready."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf emphasized that for him, there is no difference between the battlefield and the negotiation table, and he is ready to give his life "to secure the rights of the people."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nWarning over Strait of Hormuz escalation\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, in remarks on Saturday, said he personally warned a US delegation in Islamabad against escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIn a television interview, Qalibaf said he warned the US delegation that had come to the Pakistani capital for ceasefire talks that Iranian forces would open fire at minesweepers if they moved "an inch" from their position in the strategic waterway.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe top Iranian lawmaker and lead negotiator laid out a detailed account of the confrontation between the Iranian naval forces and the US military in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the Islamic Republic has full control over the vital waterway and has already pushed the United States into a retreat.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"I told the American delegation that if their minesweeper moved even a fraction from its position, we would definitely fire at it," he said, adding that the US delegation asked for 15 minutes to relay the order to turn back.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf added that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy decisively foiled an attempt to conduct minesweeping operations, which violated the ceasefire.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"We advanced to the point of confrontation, but the enemy retreated," he noted.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIran’s parliament speaker, who led the Iranian delegation for talks with the US delegation in Islamabad last week, said the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe also dismissed the Trump administration’s recent move of a "naval blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz as "a clumsy decision born of ignorance."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf issued a warning regarding global energy transit through the strait, a chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil passes.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz but not us. If the US does not abandon the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be restricted," he said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"If any traffic is taking place in the strait today, control of the strait is in our hands."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nA Press TV investigation on April 12 had revealed that the US military's attempt to sail two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz ended as a failed propaganda stunt timed to coincide with the talks in Islamabad.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBased on information provided by military-security sources, the report revealed that the US Navy destroyers came within minutes of complete destruction after attempting a high-risk passage through the Strait of Hormuz – a failed propaganda operation that was aimed at influencing the Iran-US talks in the Pakistani capital.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nBoth Arleigh Burke-class destroyers had attempted to transit the strategic waterway but were intercepted and forced to retreat by Iranian naval forces.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nPress TV's investigation found the American attempt to be an extremely high-risk move that could have easily turned into a disaster for the United States and its military.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe destroyers were only minutes away from complete destruction after Iranian cruise missiles locked onto the vessels and attack drones were deployed.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe investigation further revealed that by spoofing their identity, the destroyers sought to present themselves as commercial vessels belonging to Oman, purportedly engaged in coastal transit in the southern part of the Sea of Oman.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHowever, the IRGC naval forces, while patrolling around Fujairah, had already detected the deception and taken swift action.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nLeadership proves its strength, resilience\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nIn other remarks, Qalibaf said the country's political and military structure proved its strength and resilience following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and top-ranking commanders, noting that the Iranian people themselves rose to fill the void.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe also spoke about American duplicity during negotiations twice in the past year, referring to the war in June of last year and the conflict in late February of this year.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf contrasted Iran's response time between the earlier war and the most recent one.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"In the first war, we had a delay of 14 to 15 hours in responding and attacking. But in this war, despite the martyrdom of the commander-in-chief, the chief of general staff, and the IRGC commander, which could have caused disruption, we saw that the reaction took place in the shortest possible time," he said, attributing the speed to the "strong structure."\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nInvoking the legacy of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, and Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Qalibaf said they believed the revolution does not rely on individuals but on institutions.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAir defenses at their peak\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nQalibaf said Iranian air defense forces successfully struck approximately 180 drones in the recent war—a capability that did not exist during the previous conflict—and asserted that the strike on a US F-35 fighter jet sent a clear message to the enemy.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nThe Parliament Speaker highlighted significant technical advances in Iran's air defense systems, especially following the 12-day war in June of last year.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe addressed a specific incident involving a US F-35 fighter jet, framing it as evidence of Iran's growing technical sophistication. "Hitting an F-35 is not a coincidence; it is an operation involving various technical and design dimensions," he said.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nAccording to the speaker, the proximity of the missile explosion to the aircraft served as a deterrent signal. "The missile that exploded near the F-35 made the enemy understand what capabilities we possess and in which direction we are moving," Qalibaf added.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nHe also commended the people for taking to the streets daily in a show of solidarity with the country's armed forces.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"Today, our people are more steadfast than in the previous war. They have now been on the streets every day for nearly 50 nights," he said, referring to the nightly gatherings.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n"We achieved good success on the battlefield, and people in the streets were partners in that. For the consolidation of this success, people present in the streets are also very effective."\r\n\r\n ","content_html":"

Qalibaf made the remarks in a television interview aired on Saturday night.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"We fought an asymmetric war in such a way that we pushed back the enemy," he said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to the top lawmaker and lead negotiator, the enemy's shortcomings were not in resources but in strategy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"The enemy had money and resources, but they did not act correctly in terms of design," Qalibaf stated. "They make strategic errors. They miscalculate regarding our people, just as they miscalculate in their own military design."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf said the US possesses superior military power, experience, and resources, but the Islamic Republic of Iran emerged as the victor in the recent war by fighting an asymmetric war and pushing back the enemy through meticulous planning and preparation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"We are not stronger than the United States in military power," he said. "It is clear that they have more money, equipment, and resources, and because they have committed so much aggression around the world, their experience is also greater than ours."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He, however, emphasized that material advantages do not guarantee victory.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Certainly, equipment, resources, and money are effective in war and victory, but it is not always the case," Qalibaf noted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He attributed Iran's success to strategic ingenuity. "We fought an asymmetric war in such a way that we pushed back the enemy through our own planning and preparation," he said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"The enemy had money and resources, but they did not act correctly in terms of design."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also slammed the Trump administration for putting ‘Israel First’ before ‘America First’.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"The US government claims that 'America First' matters to it, but in practice, it has shown that Israel comes first for it, because it makes decisions based on Israel's false information."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He asserted that Iran accepted the ceasefire because the US accepted its demands.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Consolidating the rights of the nation must be our main goal. And rest assured, there will be no capitulation in the field of diplomacy," Qalibaf said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He said that when the enemy could not impose its demands on the Iranian nation through military power, could not influence us with its ultimatums, and saw that the Iranian armed forces were standing firm on the battlefield, it sent messages through various countries.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Of course, today we are standing even firmer than the day before the ceasefire was established," Qalibaf said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Ready to respond to any aggression<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf said Iran remains firmly positioned on the battlefield and stands ready to respond the moment the enemy makes any mistake, emphasizing that the armed forces are fully prepared even as diplomatic negotiations continue.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He outlined Iran's dual-track approach of military readiness and diplomatic engagement.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"As long as we pursued matters on the battlefield and militarily, we stood firm, and today we stand firm as well," he said. "The moment the enemy makes a mistake, we are ready."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The parliament speaker and lead negotiator stressed that Tehran has no trust in its adversaries, warning that Iran’s response will be swift to any act of enemy aggression.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Because we have no trust in the enemy," Qalibaf stated. "Even at this very moment, as we sit here, war could break out. The armed forces are fully prepared on the ground."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He dismissed any suggestion that ongoing negotiations might lead to complacency regarding the matters of national defense.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"It is not the case that we think just because we are negotiating, the armed forces are not ready," he said. "Rather, just as the people are in the streets, our armed forces are also ready."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf emphasized that for him, there is no difference between the battlefield and the negotiation table, and he is ready to give his life "to secure the rights of the people."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Warning over Strait of Hormuz escalation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, in remarks on Saturday, said he personally warned a US delegation in Islamabad against escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

In a television interview, Qalibaf said he warned the US delegation that had come to the Pakistani capital for ceasefire talks that Iranian forces would open fire at minesweepers if they moved "an inch" from their position in the strategic waterway.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The top Iranian lawmaker and lead negotiator laid out a detailed account of the confrontation between the Iranian naval forces and the US military in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the Islamic Republic has full control over the vital waterway and has already pushed the United States into a retreat.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"I told the American delegation that if their minesweeper moved even a fraction from its position, we would definitely fire at it," he said, adding that the US delegation asked for 15 minutes to relay the order to turn back.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf added that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy decisively foiled an attempt to conduct minesweeping operations, which violated the ceasefire.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"We advanced to the point of confrontation, but the enemy retreated," he noted.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Iran’s parliament speaker, who led the Iranian delegation for talks with the US delegation in Islamabad last week, said the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also dismissed the Trump administration’s recent move of a "naval blockade" in the Strait of Hormuz as "a clumsy decision born of ignorance."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf issued a warning regarding global energy transit through the strait, a chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil passes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz but not us. If the US does not abandon the blockade, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be restricted," he said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"If any traffic is taking place in the strait today, control of the strait is in our hands."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

A Press TV investigation on April 12 had revealed that the US military's attempt to sail two destroyers through the Strait of Hormuz ended as a failed propaganda stunt timed to coincide with the talks in Islamabad.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Based on information provided by military-security sources, the report revealed that the US Navy destroyers came within minutes of complete destruction after attempting a high-risk passage through the Strait of Hormuz – a failed propaganda operation that was aimed at influencing the Iran-US talks in the Pakistani capital.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Both Arleigh Burke-class destroyers had attempted to transit the strategic waterway but were intercepted and forced to retreat by Iranian naval forces.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Press TV's investigation found the American attempt to be an extremely high-risk move that could have easily turned into a disaster for the United States and its military.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The destroyers were only minutes away from complete destruction after Iranian cruise missiles locked onto the vessels and attack drones were deployed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The investigation further revealed that by spoofing their identity, the destroyers sought to present themselves as commercial vessels belonging to Oman, purportedly engaged in coastal transit in the southern part of the Sea of Oman.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

However, the IRGC naval forces, while patrolling around Fujairah, had already detected the deception and taken swift action.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Leadership proves its strength, resilience<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

In other remarks, Qalibaf said the country's political and military structure proved its strength and resilience following the martyrdom of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and top-ranking commanders, noting that the Iranian people themselves rose to fill the void.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also spoke about American duplicity during negotiations twice in the past year, referring to the war in June of last year and the conflict in late February of this year.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf contrasted Iran's response time between the earlier war and the most recent one.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"In the first war, we had a delay of 14 to 15 hours in responding and attacking. But in this war, despite the martyrdom of the commander-in-chief, the chief of general staff, and the IRGC commander, which could have caused disruption, we saw that the reaction took place in the shortest possible time," he said, attributing the speed to the "strong structure."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Invoking the legacy of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, and Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Qalibaf said they believed the revolution does not rely on individuals but on institutions.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Air defenses at their peak<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

Qalibaf said Iranian air defense forces successfully struck approximately 180 drones in the recent war—a capability that did not exist during the previous conflict—and asserted that the strike on a US F-35 fighter jet sent a clear message to the enemy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

The Parliament Speaker highlighted significant technical advances in Iran's air defense systems, especially following the 12-day war in June of last year.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He addressed a specific incident involving a US F-35 fighter jet, framing it as evidence of Iran's growing technical sophistication. "Hitting an F-35 is not a coincidence; it is an operation involving various technical and design dimensions," he said.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

According to the speaker, the proximity of the missile explosion to the aircraft served as a deterrent signal. "The missile that exploded near the F-35 made the enemy understand what capabilities we possess and in which direction we are moving," Qalibaf added.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

He also commended the people for taking to the streets daily in a show of solidarity with the country's armed forces.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"Today, our people are more steadfast than in the previous war. They have now been on the streets every day for nearly 50 nights," he said, referring to the nightly gatherings.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n

"We achieved good success on the battlefield, and people in the streets were partners in that. For the consolidation of this success, people present in the streets are also very effective."<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n

 <\/p>","content_source":"","content_url":"","content_date_start":"2026-04-19 10:26:10","content_date_event":"2026-04-19 10:26:10","content_date_event_start":null,"content_date_event_end":null,"content_show_title_slider":1,"content_date_last_edit":"2026-04-19 10:34:36","content_date_register":"2026-04-19 10:34:36","content_columns":0,"content_show_img":1,"content_show_details":0,"content_show_related_img":0,"content_show_slider":1,"content_comment":1,"content_score":0,"tag_id":0,"score_average":null,"score_count":null,"score_date_last":null,"uid":43,"eid":0,"attach_title":"Qalibaf","attaches":[{"sizes":{"150":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_150_84.webp","300":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_300_169.webp","400":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_400_225.webp","600":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_600_338.webp","900":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_900_507.webp","1200":".\/cache\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612_1000_563.jpg"},"ext":"jpg","file_media":1,"token":2600041612,"files":{"original":{"url":".\/file\/2\/attach\/202604\/569040_2600041612.jpg","width":1000,"height":563,"size":0}}}]}]]