Iranian President Declares ‘Total War’ Against U.S., Israel, and Europe Amid Rising Tensions
TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that his country is engaged in a “total war” with the United States, Israel, and Europe, describing the current conflict as far more complex and multifaceted than the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s. In an interview published by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian asserted that Western powers are exerting pressure on Iran from “every angle,” aiming to bring the nation “to its knees.”
“If one understands it well, this war is far more complex and difficult than that war,” Pezeshkian said, referring to the decades-old conflict with Iraq. “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, they are creating problems for us in terms of livelihood, culturally, politically, and security-wise,” according to The Times of Israel.
The president’s remarks come amidst ongoing tensions following a brief but intense air conflict in June, initiated by Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,100 Iranian casualties, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iranian missile attacks during the same period killed 28 people in Israel. Despite these losses, Pezeshkian claimed Iran’s military has emerged stronger in terms of both manpower and equipment. “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,” he said. “So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response.”
These developments unfold ahead of a scheduled meeting at Mar-a-Lago between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, a gathering that underscores the strategic alliance between the two nations amid escalating regional hostilities. President Trump has previously emphasized that Iran will not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, a stance reiterated by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Israel National Security Studies conference.
The conflict’s complexity is underscored by the multifaceted pressures Iran faces — not only military but also economic and cultural — which Pezeshkian highlighted in his comments. This multidimensional confrontation contrasts with the relatively straightforward battlefield dynamics of the Iran-Iraq war, where missile strikes and territorial battles defined the conflict.
Experts monitoring the situation point to the involvement of multiple international actors and the broader geopolitical stakes at play. The U.S. Department of State’s ongoing sanctions and diplomatic efforts, along with European Union policies, contribute to the economic and political pressures Iran describes. The U.S. Department of State continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the importance of regional stability.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government maintains a firm stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities. The U.S. Department of Defense has also been involved in strategic planning and operations aimed at countering perceived threats from Iran.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches with concern, recognizing that the stakes extend beyond the immediate region. The United Nations has called for restraint and dialogue, urging all parties to avoid escalation that could lead to broader conflict.
President Pezeshkian’s declaration of “total war” reflects a deepening crisis that challenges diplomatic efforts and raises the specter of prolonged confrontation. The coming weeks, including the high-profile meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, may prove critical in shaping the trajectory of this volatile and complex geopolitical struggle.
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