Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a recent interview that he believes his country is facing what he called a “total war” led by the United States, Israel and several European nations. He argued that these countries are seeking to weaken Iran and force political concessions.
Speaking to the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian said, “In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.” His remarks come six months after strikes on Iran involving the United States and Israel.
France, Britain and Germany supported the reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran in September tied to its nuclear program. Pezeshkian compared current tensions to the devastating 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq war, saying this situation is “more complex and difficult.”
The United States and its allies claim Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, an accusation Tehran has repeatedly denied. Tensions escalated further after a 12-day conflict in June between Iran and Israel, reportedly causing over 1,000 casualties in Iran following strikes on military, nuclear and civilian locations. The United States later joined the operation, targeting three nuclear facilities, which halted nuclear-related negotiations that had restarted in April.
Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has renewed his “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran, including additional sanctions aimed at restricting Iran’s economy and oil revenues.
