Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has given a big statement regarding the ongoing war between America and Iran. He said that today’s situation looks a bit like the Vietnam War. What he meant was that just as America repeatedly claimed victory during the Vietnam War, but the situation on the ground was different, something similar could happen now. According to the ANI report, Araghchi specifically mentioned Fine O Clock Follies. This was the daily press briefing in Saigon in the 1960s, where the US military tried to make it appear that they were winning the war, when in reality the situation was bad.
During the Vietnam War, American General William Westmoreland had also said that the war was progressing and now victory was near, but shortly after this in 1968, the Tet Offensive took place, in which the enemy attacked on a large scale and America’s claims were questioned. Araghchi says that even today America is making similar claims. He said that the American government says it is winning, but the situation on the ground is different.
America’s big claims
Giving an example, Abbas Araghchi said that an American F-35 Lightning II has been damaged. American warships such as USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are seen retreating. However, the US side has said that the F-35 landed safely and the matter is under investigation. Donald Trump is facing criticism within his own country on this issue. According to the report, one of his officers, Joe Kent, even resigned. Meanwhile, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth said that America is winning and Iran’s air defense has become weak.
What lessons can be learned from the Vietnam War?
In the Vietnam War, America sent millions of soldiers and carried out heavy bombing, but in the end it had to retreat. More than 58,000 American soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War. About 20 to 30 lakh Vietnamese people were killed. The war ended in 1975 and North Vietnam was victorious. According to reports, 13 American soldiers have been killed so far in the Iran war. About 200 were injured. More than 1400 people are reported dead and 18,000 injured in Iran. Araghchi’s message is clear. They are warning America that the situation does not change just by saying we are winning. If the ground reality is different then this situation could also be like Vietnam.