IRGC adviser suggests Tehran could extend war to survive Trump administration

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, now a senior adviser to the IRGC commander, told one outlet that Tehran could extend the hostilities with the United States until the next presidential term to create a costly deterrent for any future attacker. He claimed the five-month conflict has taught Iran how to fight the U.S. and that continued fighting would further improve its capabilities. The White House responded with a stark warning that Iran should agree to a deal.

President Trump, via his Truth Social account, emphasized the "Wall of Steel" blockade and portrayed Iran as militarily and economically crippled. U.S. officials, including ambassadors Mike Huckabee and Mike Waltz, said the strategy combines relentless economic pressure with the threat of additional strikes, noting that the blockade has already redirected dozens of commercial vessels and even involved missile attacks on a civilian ship. Iran, meanwhile, asserts its missile and drone forces remain largely intact and vows to target American economic interests worldwide if its arsenal is depleted.