Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran is facing what he describes as a “total war” led by the United States, Israel, and European nations, claiming these powers are working to weaken and pressure Tehran. His remarks were published yesterday on the official website of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, almost six months after US and Israeli forces launched military strikes on Iran.
Pezeshkian said he believes the level of confrontation now goes far beyond political dispute or economic pressure.
“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees,” he said.
His comments also follow a decision by France, Britain, and Germany to support the re-imposition of United Nations sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear program last September.
Pezeshkian compared the situation to the devastating 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq war, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. But he warned that today’s challenges are significantly more complex.
“This war is worse than the one launched against us by Iraq. On closer inspection, it is far more complex and difficult,” he added.
Western powers — particularly the United States and Israel — have long accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran repeatedly denies.
Tensions dramatically escalated earlier this year when Israel and Iran were locked in a 12-day conflict, following Israeli strikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian locations. Iranian authorities reported over 1,000 casualties from the attacks. The US later joined the military operation and struck three nuclear-related facilities, leading to the suspension of negotiations that had resumed in April over Iran’s nuclear program.
Since returning to the White House, US President Donald Trump has reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy, tightening sanctions aimed at isolating Iran economically and cutting off its oil revenue streams.
For millions of ordinary Iranians, these political and military escalations are not just headlines — they shape daily life, economy, safety, and hope for the future. Beyond governments and strategies, there are families trying to live with dignity amid uncertainty, reminding the world that every geopolitical conflict ultimately lands on human shoulders.
