In an interview on Channel 4 News, Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, discussed the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, focusing on military strategy and defense capabilities.
According to Marandi, “Our missiles are old and very inexpensive, while America is using very expensive ones.” He used the remark to argue that the conflict involves both strategic planning and cost considerations, claiming that Iran’s approach is designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing expenditure.
Marandi maintained that Iran’s defense doctrine emphasizes resilience and long-term preparedness, particularly in the face of sanctions and external pressure. He argued that relying on lower-cost systems can still create significant strategic effects, especially when it forces adversaries to deploy expensive interception technologies. According to him, this reflects calculated military planning rather than escalation for its own sake.
He further suggested that discussions about weaponry should be viewed within the broader context of deterrence and regional power dynamics. Marandi stated that Iran’s leadership believes its military capabilities are structured to ensure sovereignty and protect national interests, regardless of comparisons with other countries’ defense budgets.
Throughout the interview, he framed Iran’s actions as defensive and grounded in strategic necessity. Marandi asserted that the country has invested in domestic defense development over many years, enabling it to sustain operations under prolonged pressure.
Marandi further stated that Iran’s military posture is intended to deter aggression and maintain balance in the region. He reiterated that decisions regarding defense systems are made in accordance with national security priorities and long-term strategic objectives.