Iranian Commander Says US Naval Forces Suffered Serious Damage in Recent Attacks

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Kioumars Heyderi says Iran inflicted serious damage on US warships during recent attacks, arguing that the Islamic Republic prevented its adversary from achieving its stated objectives. Speaking at a meeting of the Council of the Foundation for the Preservation and Publication of Sacred Defense and Resistance Values on Wednesday, Heyderi said Iranian forces had gained the initiative on the battlefield and forced the opposing side into a reactive position.

Heyderi said a defender can be considered victorious when it prevents an attacker from achieving its objectives at the intended time and location. He claimed that the enemy, which he said had sought to overthrow Iran’s political system, was now responding to Iranian military actions rather than determining the course of the conflict. He further argued that the recent confrontation had demonstrated vulnerabilities in US naval capabilities.

Highlighting Iran’s missile capabilities, the commander claimed Iranian missiles had recently struck US heavy warships and frigates, causing serious damage. He described the attacks as evidence that American naval power could be challenged. Heyderi also claimed that Iranian military operations had forced the United States to reposition its forces at least 500 kilometers away from Iranian territory.