Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is engaged in a “full-scale” war with the United States, Israel and Europe, describing the nation’s diplomatic and economic situation as increasingly difficult. His remarks were published in an interview on the official website of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
‘More Complicated Than the Iran-Iraq War’
Pezeshkian said Western powers do not want Iran “to stand on its feet” and argued that the current confrontation is more complex than the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq war. Despite sanctions and mounting pressure, he said Iran remains capable of defending its national interests.
Tensions Ahead of Netanyahu’s U.S. Visit
The interview was released ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, where he is expected to meet President Donald Trump. Discussions are expected to include Gaza, Hamas, remaining hostages and what Israeli officials describe as the threat posed by Iran to the region and the U.S.
Aftermath of June Conflict
U.S. and Israeli forces carried out joint strikes on Iran in June during a 12-day conflict that killed about 1,100 people in Iran and targeted nuclear facilities, air defenses and military sites. Senior military, IRGC and nuclear personnel were among those killed. Iranian retaliatory missile strikes killed 28 people in Israel.
During the fighting, Netanyahu suggested Iran could face regime change, while Trump publicly raised the possibility of targeting Iran’s supreme leader. Since then, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear and missile programs have stalled.
Military Warnings and Economic Strain
Netanyahu is set to meet Trump shortly after Iran conducted large-scale military exercises involving ballistic missiles, prompting renewed warnings from Israel. Inside Iran, economic pressure is intensifying as the rial continues to weaken, fueling protests and business closures in parts of Tehran.
A President Elected Amid Discontent
Pezeshkian was elected earlier this year to replace President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in 2024. The election saw the lowest turnout in Iran’s history, with Pezeshkian viewed as a moderate figure amid widespread public dissatisfaction.
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