Iran Hilariously Claims It’s a ‘Superpower,’ but the US Isn’t Laughing - It’s Acting

I think it's safe to say that the Iranian regime made some bad choices on Monday in response to Project Freedom, the U.S. effort to help free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, they fired at U.S. military ships, but they didn't hit our ships, as they claimed. They fired on merchant ships, including a United Arab Emirates ship. They also fired on the UAE oil facility at Fujairah. Three Indian nationals were injured in that action.

You would think Iran would have learned that this is a bad idea, particularly attacking their neighbor. Every time the regime does that, it makes the UAE more determined against Iran, and it makes more countries speak out against Iran.

According to reports, President Masoud Pezeshkian is furious at the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for attacking the UAE, calling it “completely irresponsible” and done without the government’s knowledge or coordination. He called the tensions with regional countries "madness," according to reports, warning of potentially irreversible consequences.

Yet the Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statement was ridiculous.

Events in Hormuz make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis.

As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers. So should the UAE.

Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 4, 2026

Events in Hormuz make clear that there's no military solution to a political crisis.
As talks are making progress with Pakistan's gracious effort, the U.S. should be wary of being dragged back into quagmire by ill-wishers.
So should the UAE. Project Freedom is Project Deadlock.

There is no military solution — for them. There certainly is for the U.S., and that's likely coming next because of Iran's actions on Monday.

Then, they have the gall to warn the U.S. and the UAE about "being dragged into a quagmire by ill-wishers"? They're the ones who wish us ill. They're the ones firing on the UAE. They've managed to turn the whole region against them.

But if that wasn't enough to signal they are living in a land of delusion, let's listen to this bizarre claim.

Reporter: "America is a superpower. Why don't you back down or compromise?"

Iran's FM Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei: "We are also a superpower. pic.twitter.com/yp6q0qHOpD
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 4, 2026

A reporter asked Iran's Foreign Minister spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, "America is a superpower. Why don't you back down or compromise?"

Baghaei replied, "We are also a superpower."

No, superpowers have power — it's sort of in the name. When you have your military decimated and the U.S. has air superiority over you, you are not a superpower. And when you can't stop a blockade of your shipping. Not to mention, your economy collapsing and your Supreme Leader either dead or in hiding doesn't make your point.

This is what American philosopher Christopher Wallace canonically described as "getting high on your own supply." https://t.co/j1KajNAoxu
— Omri Ceren (@omriceren) May 4, 2026

Oh, and when the U.S. runs two destroyers into the Persian Gulf, and not only can't you stop them, but your efforts get intercepted, you might not be a superpower.

Two U.S. Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian fire Monday as the vessels came under a barrage of small boats, missiles and drones, according to reports.
The USS Truxtun and USS Mason were backed by fighter aircraft and AH-64 Apache helicopters during the encounter, with officials describing it as a "sustained barrage," the CBS report said.
Despite the attack, neither of the destroyers was impacted, with forces intercepting or deterring each threat.

This appears to be one of the two ships they reportedly escorted out yesterday.

MORE INFO: Maersk reports the “Alliance Fairfax” has left the Persian Gulf under U.S. military escort, completing its passage safely after being stuck there since February 2026. https://t.co/PEtrti9VyB pic.twitter.com/jDcy5Vmf5W
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 5, 2026

Editor's Note: For decades, former presidents have been all talk and no action. Now, Donald Trump is eliminating the threat from Iran once and for all.

Help us report the truth about the Trump administration's decisive actions to keep Americans safe and bring peace to the world. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your VIP membership.