Iran Defence Ministry warns: Most advanced weapons have not yet been deployed — ready for long war

Iran's Defence Ministry issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that the country had not yet deployed its most advanced weapons and was prepared for a long war against the United States and Israel. Ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik, quoted by the official IRNA news agency, said: 'We have the capacity to resist and to continue an offensive defence longer than what [the enemy] has planned for this imposed war.' He added: 'We do not intend to deploy all our advanced weapons and equipment in the first days.' The statement directly contradicts President Trump's claim that Iran's military has been largely destroyed. It suggests Iran has been holding back a significant portion of its advanced missile and drone arsenal — potentially including hypersonic missiles, advanced cruise missiles, or other systems not yet used in the conflict. The warning significantly elevates escalation risk and suggests Iran is planning for a multi-week conflict. Iran's Defence Ministry simultaneously confirmed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, threatening to 'set ablaze' any vessel attempting to pass. Trump acknowledged the war could last 4-5 weeks or longer.