Iran lawmaker says missile, drone stocks sufficient for ‘years of war’

A senior Iranian lawmaker declared on Wednesday that Iran’s missile and drone arsenals are large enough to support “years of war,” while also revealing that Tehran has not yet deployed its full military capabilities. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, deputy head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency: “We have not yet shown our new cards.” He dismissed the US naval blockade as ineffective, claiming that approximately 120 vessels are currently waiting near the Strait of Hormuz for transit and that many Iranian ships continue to operate without US interference.

Regional chokepoints

Boroujerdi also highlighted the strategic importance of the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, saying it is as significant as the Strait of Hormuz and that developments there could also affect maritime routes. He insisted that Iran will not back down from what he described as its sovereign rights over the Strait of Hormuz, adding that these would be pursued in negotiations. Separately, IRGC Navy political assistant Hamad Akbarzadeh warned that naval forces would use new capabilities—including advanced targeting systems—against large US vessels in the event of any American military action.

Ceasefire and stalemate

The US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to strike US interests across the Gulf region. A Pakistan-mediated ceasefire was announced on April 8, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but no agreement was reached. President Trump extended the truce at Pakistan’s request pending a proposal from Tehran, but signaled he is unlikely to accept Iran’s latest offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear talks.