Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated Saturday that his country is engaged in a “full-fledged war” with the US, Israel, and Europe, describing the multifaceted pressures as more complex than the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war. This remark appeared in an interview published on the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“In my opinion, we are in a full-fledged war with America, Israel, and Europe. They do not want our country to stand on its feet,” Pezeshkian said, accusing Western powers of besieging Iran economically, culturally, politically, and in security matters. He contrasted the current situation with the Iran-Iraq war, noting that the earlier conflict involved clear military engagements, whereas today’s pressures are broader and more insidious.
Pezeshkian warned that any renewed attacks by Israel or the US would face a “more decisive response,” while asserting that Iran’s military is now stronger than before the June 2025 conflict. The 12-day war in June was triggered by Israeli strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian targets, with subsequent US involvement, in response to Iran’s increased uranium enrichment in late May. The war resulted in approximately 1,100 Iranian deaths, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists, and 28 fatalities in Israel from retaliatory missile barrages.
Pezeshkian specifically noted domestic economic challenges exacerbated by sanctions, calling for national unity to address livelihood issues. Analysts view this rhetoric as reinforcing Iran’s stance against Western pressure while signaling readiness for escalation if provoked.
The comments highlight escalating tensions in the region, with implications for nuclear negotiations and broader Middle East stability.
Pezeshkian’s statement comes amid renewed UN sanctions, which were proposed by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom in September over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful. The statement also precedes a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, expected to address Iran’s nuclear policy.
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