Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declares that the country is in a “total war” with the U.S., Israel, and Europe, asserting the conflict’s complexity surpasses that of the Iran-Iraq war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that his country is engaged in what he describes as a “total war” against the United States, Israel, and Europe. In an interview published by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian expressed his belief that Western powers aim to bring Iran “to its knees.”
“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel, and Europe,” Pezeshkian said. “They want to bring our country to its knees.”
The Iranian president emphasized that the current conflict is more intricate than the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, claiming that Iran is now facing pressure “from every angle.” He elaborated on this perspective, suggesting that the nature of the current conflict is far more complex and challenging than the previous war.
“If one understands it well, this war is far more complex and difficult than that war,” Pezeshkian noted. “In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear; they fired missiles, and we knew where to hit. Here, they are besieging us from every aspect, creating problems for us in terms of livelihood, culture, politics, and security.”
Despite the ongoing challenges, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran’s military has emerged stronger following its recent conflict with Israel. He stated, “Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength, and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response.”
The interview with Pezeshkian comes ahead of a planned meeting this week at Mar-a-Lago between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high following a brief but intense air conflict in June, which resulted in approximately 1,100 deaths in Iran, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iranian missile attacks claimed the lives of 28 individuals in Israel.
On June 22, President Trump announced that U.S. forces had launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. He stated, “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror. Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24, but the situation remains volatile as both sides navigate the ongoing conflict.
According to The Times of Israel, Pezeshkian’s comments reflect the heightened tensions and complex dynamics at play in the region.