‘US Had Money But Failed In Design’: Iran Says It ‘Pushed Back’ Stronger ‘Enemy’ America Through Strategy

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 13:10 IST

Iran speaker Ghalibaf says Iran used asymmetric warfare to resist US. He also warned that Iranian forces are on alert as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz.

At a time when global attention is focused on Iran’s stand against the United States, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf said the country managed to push back a stronger opponent despite not matching its military power.

Speaking on Saturday, he said Iran relied on planning and asymmetric warfare to counter the United States during the recent conflict, which is now paused under a fragile ceasefire.

In a televised address reported by Press TV, Ghalibaf said Iran does not have the same level of military strength as the United States.

“We are not stronger than the United States in military power," he said, adding that the US has greater equipment and wider experience due to its involvement in conflicts around the world. However, he stressed that these advantages did not determine the outcome.

Iran’s strategy

Ghalibaf argued that the key difference lay in strategy rather than resources. According to him, the United States had the financial and military capacity but failed in its planning.

“The enemy had money and resources, but they did not act correctly in terms of design," he said. He added that the US made strategic mistakes and misjudged both the Iranian people and its own military approach.

The Iranian leader criticised US policy, saying it continues to prioritise Israel despite claims of following an “America First" approach.

He said Iran agreed to the ceasefire only after its own conditions were accepted and maintained that pressure tactics did not force Tehran into concessions.

Iranian forces on alert

Despite the pause in fighting, Ghalibaf said Iran’s armed forces remain fully prepared.

“As long as we pursued matters on the battlefield and militarily, we stood firm, and today we stand firm as well," he said.

He warned that Iran does not trust its adversaries and that conflict could resume at any time. “Even at this very moment, as we sit here, war could break out. The armed forces are fully prepared on the ground," he added.

Strait of Hormuz crisis

Ghalibaf also referred to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, saying he had warned a US delegation in Islamabad about possible escalation.

He said Iran would respond if US minesweepers moved within the waterway and stressed that Tehran has control over the route and can restrict traffic if pressure continues.

Iran has once again shut the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the move was in response to the continued US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Ships in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman have been ordered to remain in place, with warnings that any attempt to approach the strait could be treated as hostile.

Iran had briefly allowed limited transit earlier but said the route would remain closed until US restrictions are lifted. It also accused Washington of violating ceasefire terms.

The United States, under Donald Trump, said the blockade would continue until a peace agreement is reached and rejected Iran’s use of the strait as leverage.

Reports have also emerged of attacks on vessels near the waterway, including gunfire from Iranian boats and damage to a container ship. At least two Indian merchant vessels were reportedly hit while attempting to cross the strait.

News world ‘US Had Money But Failed In Design’: Iran Says It ‘Pushed Back’ Stronger ‘Enemy’ America Through Strategy

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