Iran Claims It Can Wage an Intensified War for Six Months Amid Conflict with the U.S.–Israel

Iran is capable of conducting intensive combat operations for at least six months, the envoy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Ali Mohammad Naini, said on Sunday, 8 March 2026. ‘The Armed Forces of Iran have the capacity to launch an intensive war for at least six months at the current pace,’ Naini said, as quoted by the government broadcaster.

According to him, Iran’s military hardware includes heavy ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, as well as various types of drones and attack ships. All of them are said to be ready for use in facing a large-scale and protracted war.

‘There is no reason to worry,’ Naini said.

He also added that Iran plans to use longer-range missiles that are more advanced and rarely used in the coming days.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks on several targets in Iran, including in Tehran. The strikes caused damage and civilian casualties.

Iran then retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and United States military facilities in the Middle East.

The United States and Israel initially said the pre-emptive strike was necessary to confront a threat believed to originate from Iran’s nuclear programme. However, both later said they wanted to see a change of power in Iran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly killed on the first day of the military operation. The Islamic Republic of Iran then declared 40 days of mourning.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Khamenei’s death as a cynical violation of international law. Russia’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the U.S.-Israel military operation and called for immediate de-escalation and an end to hostilities.