A senior Iranian naval official has claimed that any war initiated by the United States against Iran would ultimately end in defeat for Washington, describing such an outcome as one that would be “recorded in history in golden letters.”
The remarks were made by Rear Admiral Habibullah Sayyari, Chief of Staff of Iran’s armed forces, during a visit to the country’s Civil Aviation Organisation on Thursday, according to Iranian media reports.
Rear Admiral Sayyari stated that the United States would be unable to prevail in a conflict with Iran, citing what he described as the courage and resilience of Iran’s armed forces and the unwavering support of the Iranian population. He further insisted that American defeat in such a scenario would become a historically significant event.
During the visit, Sayyari also praised the Civil Aviation Organisation for its role in the repatriation of the remains of personnel killed in connection with the “Denna destroyer” incident, referring to them as martyrs. He described the public turnout at their funerals as “epic” in scale and significance.
The senior commander further highlighted Iran’s naval operations abroad, noting the country’s first-ever deployment presence in the Mediterranean Sea. He said this expansion was achieved under the directives of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and despite international sanctions and restrictions. He also referred to naval passages through strategic waterways such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, claiming these operations had a significant psychological impact on opposing forces.
Sayyari also drew historical comparisons with past US military interventions in regions such as Vietnam and Venezuela, accusing Washington of pursuing its objectives through killings, coups, and acts of sabotage. He argued that similar approaches would not succeed in Iran.
He further commented on recent regional tensions, referencing reports that conflict between the United States and Israel and Iran had escalated following alleged military strikes. According to these accounts, senior Iranian military figures and the Supreme Leader were among those killed, prompting a prolonged Iranian response involving missile and drone attacks across multiple phases. These claims, however, remain part of contested regional narratives reported by different sources.
Summary of Key Points
| Topic | Statement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| US–Iran conflict | US would be defeated | Statement by Rear Admiral Sayyari |
| National resilience | Armed forces and public support ensure strength | Domestic morale emphasis |
| Naval operations | Mediterranean deployment and strategic passages | Claimed strategic expansion |
| Historical comparisons | References to Vietnam and Venezuela | Criticism of US foreign policy |
| Regional tensions | Reports of strikes and retaliation | Disputed accounts from regional sources |
Sayyari concluded that in the current climate, the unity and resilience of the Iranian people place greater responsibility on state officials. He urged the government to acknowledge and appreciate what he described as strong national solidarity.