The Basij,
Iran's volunteer paramilitary force under the Revolutionary Guards, made the
statement public on August 22 amid ongoing tensions following a major US-Israel
campaign against Iranian targets earlier in 2026.
Social media responses divided sharply, with
some pointing to China's partnerships and Saudi shifts as signs of declining US
dominance, while others called it typical Iranian rhetoric or projection.
Analysts note the US holds top military and economic status but faces challenges from rising powers, though the claims come solely from Iranian sources.