Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has declared that Iran is engaged in what he described as a “total war” with the United States, Israel and Europe, according to interviews published by Iranian state media.

Speaking in remarks cited by Israeli outlets, Pezeshkian said Western powers are attempting to weaken Iran on multiple fronts, accusing them of trying to bring the country “to its knees.” He argued that the current confrontation is more complex than the 1980s Iran-Iraq war, claiming Iran now faces coordinated pressure beyond the battlefield.

“This conflict is far more complicated,” Pezeshkian said, noting that Iran is being targeted economically, culturally, politically and in terms of security. Unlike past wars with clear military lines, he said today’s challenges are dispersed and constant.

Despite these pressures, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran’s armed forces have emerged stronger following the brief but intense air conflict with Israel in June. He warned that any future attacks would be met with a more decisive response.

The comments were released ahead of a planned meeting at Mar-a-Lago between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, underscoring ongoing diplomatic and military tensions.

Hostilities escalated in June after Israeli strikes triggered a short air war. Iranian officials reported significant casualties, including senior military leaders and nuclear scientists, while Iranian missile attacks caused fatalities in Israel.

On June 22, President Trump announced US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, stating the operation aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and eliminate what he described as a major security threat. (AriseNews TV)