The Iran war is entering a new phase as Tehran says it will decide when the conflict ends, rejecting US timelines and signaling a prolonged confrontation.
A senior Iranian security official said that Tehran is prepared to continue military operations for an extended period, stressing that Iran itself will decide when the war comes to an end.
The official dismissed earlier US assessments suggesting the conflict could be resolved within days, as well as more recent expectations that it might last only a few weeks, calling such projections unrealistic.
“This is our war, and we will not stop defending ourselves until we deliver a decisive response to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,” the official said, signaling a firm stance from Tehran.
He added that Iran’s arsenal of missiles and drones is prepared to support long-term operations. At the same time, the country is strengthening its air defenses by adjusting deployment strategies, monitoring corridors used by fighter jets, and introducing new systems.
According to the official, these measures are intended to increase the cost and complexity of any future military action against Iran, making the conflict more difficult and unpredictable.