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Iran is prepared to sustain a defensive war against the United States for several years if necessary, according to statements from Iranian officials reported this week. The remarks come amid an ongoing military confrontation that began with a US-Israeli operation in late February and has since expanded to include retaliatory strikes and diplomatic efforts that have so far failed to yield a lasting settlement.

Coverage Comparison

Two reports from TASS, the Russian state news agency, form the basis of this account. The first, dated April 13, quotes Abdul Majid Hakim Elahi, described as a representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, speaking to reporters in New Delhi. The second, dated April 6, quotes an Iranian army representative, Mohammad Akraminia, via the Fars news agency. Both reports emphasize Iran's defensive posture and long-term military readiness, though they draw on different sources and moments in the conflict's timeline.

The two TASS articles are broadly consistent in their framing: both describe the United States and Israel as the initiators of the conflict and highlight Iran's capacity for sustained resistance. However, the April 13 report includes additional details about recent diplomatic talks and a newly announced blockade, reflecting the evolving situation.

Key Claims

Multiple sources report that the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, striking major cities including Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded with attacks on Israel and on US military installations across several countries in the region.

The claim that Iran is ready for a multi-year defense is supported by direct quotes from Elahi, who said, "As you know, we did not start this war; we are not its initiators. They [the US] imposed it on us, and we began to defend ourselves, and we are still ready to defend ourselves, even for two, three, five years." He also stated that Iran would not compromise its dignity or rights.

Similarly, Akraminia, cited by Fars, said the armed forces are structured for long-term warfare and are prepared to continue "as long as the country's top political leadership deems necessary."

A single report says the White House justified the February 28 attack by citing alleged missile and nuclear threats from Iran. This justification has not been independently verified in the available sources.

According to the April 13 TASS report, Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad on April 11 but failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement. The report also notes that President Trump announced on April 12 that US and allied navies would begin a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Both reports mention the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other key Iranian leaders in the initial attack, though this detail is presented without elaboration in either text.

Perspectives

From the Iranian perspective, as conveyed through the two TASS reports, the war was imposed by the United States and Israel, and Iran's actions are purely defensive. The emphasis is on endurance and the refusal to capitulate. The characterization of the White House's justification as based on "alleged" threats reflects skepticism about the stated rationale for the attack.

The reports do not include direct US or Israeli perspectives on the conflict, nor do they provide independent verification of events such as the deaths of Iranian leaders or the specifics of the diplomatic talks. The information is sourced from Iranian officials and the Fars news agency, and is filtered through TASS, a Russian state outlet known for aligning with Kremlin views.