Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Saturday that the United States, Israel, and European nations are waging “total war” on Iran, describing the situation as more complex than the Iraq-Iran war of the 1980s.
He insisted that Iran is now stronger militarily and ready to respond decisively.
In an interview published on the official site of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian said, “We are at total war with the United States, Israel, and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.”
He highlighted the intensity of the campaign, comparing it to the 1980–88 war with Iraq but describing the current conflict as more intricate and difficult. The president accused Western powers and Israel of aiming to destabilize Iran internally to justify future interventions.
Background of escalating tensions
The remarks come six months after a series of Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, which Iran reported caused over 1,000 casualties. These attacks halted ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington that had begun in April.
France, Britain, and Germany also reimposed UN sanctions on Iran in September, citing concerns over its nuclear program. The United States has revived a “maximum pressure” policy under President Donald Trump, including additional sanctions targeting Iran’s economy and oil exports.
Iran’s military position
Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s increased military capabilities, stating, “We are now militarily stronger than we were at the time when they attacked us. If they choose to confront us, they will naturally face a more decisive response.”
He further warned that adversaries hope to exploit internal chaos to justify further attacks, but Iran is prepared to counter any such threats.
