An Iranian military commander has warned that conflict with the United States could expand to Wall Street and Manhattan if Tehran shifts to asymmetric warfare.
Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, a senior advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the prospect of attacks on American financial hubs during an interview with the Al Mayadeen television channel.
Naqdi said Iran had previously engaged in a traditional conflict with the United States without resorting to asymmetric tactics. He explained that asymmetric warfare involves actions where an adversary does not know where, how, or with what tools strikes will take place.
According to the commander, even if an opponent understands what is occurring, they would lack the tools to counter or overcome such tactics. He defined asymmetric warfare as a unique situation where conflict could occur anywhere and at any time by mobilizing previously unused capabilities.
Iranian Military Capabilities and Background
Naqdi noted that Iran had not previously needed to use asymmetric measures because the nation was able to protect its security through its inventory of missiles and military drones.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a dominant military and political organization in Iran. Established after the 1979 revolution, the Guard operates alongside Iran's regular armed forces and controls extensive missile programs and regional operations. Al Mayadeen is a Beirut-based television news network that frequently broadcasts news across the Middle East.
Wall Street and the broader Manhattan district in New York City serve as the financial center of the United States. They host major stock exchanges, corporate headquarters, and critical economic infrastructure, making them symbolic representations of American commercial power.
Response to United States Statements
Naqdi also addressed recent rhetoric from Washington regarding potential military escalation between the two nations.
He delivered his remarks after United States President Donald Trump voiced a position regarding the possibility of launching a nuclear strike on Iran. Naqdi rejected the statement, concluding that there was no justification or basis for such a move.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have repeatedly flared over regional security, maritime trade routes, and Iran's nuclear program. The United States has maintained sanctions and a strong military presence in the Middle East, while Iran has developed ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles to deter foreign interventions.
