According to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran is currently in a “full-scale war” with the U.S., Europe, and Israel. This statement was made on Saturday, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region.
Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s military capabilities are significantly stronger than they were during the brief but brutal conflict Iran had with Israel earlier this year, which also involved U.S. military actions. This interview was published on the official site of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Why This Is Important
This coming Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida. It’s anticipated that Iran will be a major topic of discussion during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago, the luxurious resort in Palm Beach.
Israeli news sources report that Netanyahu is expected to arrive in Florida around 2 p.m. ET on Sunday.
What You Should Know
Pezeshkian stated, “This war is more intense than the conflict with Iraq; it’s multifaceted and complicated beyond those years.” He was highlighting the protracted war that Iran fought against Iraq throughout the 1980s.
He elaborated that during the Iraq war, the situation was straightforward, as Iraq launched missile attacks. Currently, however, the combined influence of the U.S., Israel, and European countries politically and economically is creating a form of siege around Iran, significantly straining its security.
Pezeshkian pointed out, “On one side, they limit our sales and trade, while on the other, societal expectations are increasing.” Over the years, extensive sanctions have been imposed by the U.S. and various European nations on Iran, particularly targeting its oil sector regarding its nuclear program.
Recent military confrontations included strikes from both Israel and the U.S. against sites associated with Iran’s nuclear objectives during a 12-day war that erupted in June.
According to Iranian officials, this conflict resulted in the loss of over 1,000 lives on Iranian soil, along with thousands more injured, while Israel reported 28 confirmed fatalities due to attacks.
The U.S. conducted coordinated assaults on three nuclear sites in Iran with a significant deployment of more than 125 aircraft and advanced missile technology. Iranian forces subsequently targeted the Al-Udeid military base in Qatar, although no injuries were reported from that attack.
When asked about potential further attacks from Israel or the U.S., Pezeshkian warned that any strikes would provoke a “much more decisive response.” Additionally, he reassured, “Despite ongoing challenges, our capabilities in terms of equipment and personnel are significantly enhanced since their previous attacks.”
Public Sentiment
In a public address, President Pezeshkian stated, “We all need to contribute vigorously to improve our nation,” underscoring the need for unity and resolve amid tough times.
