Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
TEHRAN — Iran’s president has declared that the Islamic Republic is engaged in what he described as “total war” with the United States, Israel and European powers, sharply intensifying rhetoric in an already volatile Middle East and raising global concerns about wider conflict.
In an interview published on the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is confronting sustained political, economic and security pressures from Western capitals that, in his view, amount to an ongoing war. Pezeshkian framed Western sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and recent military confrontations as evidence of a concerted effort to destabilize Iran and “bring our country to its knees.” The comments represent one of the strongest public assertions by an Iranian leader in years, underscoring deepening mistrust and animosity between Tehran and much of the international community.
“Iran faces a multifaceted conflict that is far more complex than conventional wars of the past,” Pezeshkian said, referring to pressures he believes are directed at Iranian society on multiple fronts. He drew comparisons with the protracted Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, and argued that the current confrontation encompasses economic hardship, political pressure, cultural isolation and security challenges in ways that surpass past experience. The heightened rhetoric follows months of escalating tensions in the region. In June 2025, a brief but intense clash erupted between Israel and Iran after Israeli forces struck multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites, an operation that resulted in significant casualties on both sides and drew in the United States. That confrontation, which lasted around 12 days, marked a notable shift toward direct hostilities between the two longtime adversaries and underscored the risk of broader conflict.
Since then, Western powers including France, Britain and Germany reimposed sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme, further straining relations. Iranian officials have framed these measures as punitive and destructive, alleging they have exacerbated domestic economic problems, devalued the national currency, and eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to protect citizens. Economic indicators have worsened sharply, with inflation soaring and living standards deteriorating amid growing hardship, fueling domestic discontent and complicating Tehran’s diplomatic posture.
The United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, has maintained a hardline stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have held high-level discussions in recent days about security cooperation and the potential for further pressure on Tehran, including military options if Iran’s nuclear programme advances. U.S. officials have publicly warned Tehran about resuming uranium enrichment beyond agreed thresholds and threatened punitive measures should Iran continue activities viewed as destabilizing.
Western governments have responded to the Iranian leader’s comments with caution, emphasizing that Iran’s statement does not constitute a formal declaration of war in the legal sense under international law, but rather reflects a highly charged political posture. Diplomatic sources in Europe have called for restraint on all sides, encouraging dialogue to prevent further deterioration of security. At the same time, U.S. officials have reiterated that military options remain on the table if Iran escalates its nuclear programme or targets American forces or allies.
In the Middle East, Arab governments and regional partners are delicately balancing responses. Some Gulf states, traditionally wary of Iranian influence, have expressed concern that renewed hostilities could destabilize the region and undermine fragile economic recovery efforts. Others have underscored the importance of avoiding actions that could draw the region into a wider war. Efforts by international mediators to de-escalate tensions have been ongoing, though progress remains limited.
Inside Iran, the president’s declaration has elicited mixed reactions. Hardline factions within the government have welcomed the assertive rhetoric, viewing it as a reaffirmation of resistance to Western “interference” and external threats. They argue that Iran must stand firm to defend its sovereignty and protect its strategic interests, including its nuclear programme, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes.
However, ordinary Iranians are grappling with mounting economic strains. The devaluation of the rial and rising inflation have triggered protests in several cities, with citizens demanding more effective governance and economic relief. Strikes by traders and labor groups have been reported in major urban centers, reflecting frustration with deteriorating living conditions. Some analysts warn that prolonged hardship could intensify internal pressures on the Iranian leadership, potentially constraining Tehran’s diplomatic flexibility.
Security analysts warn that while Pezeshkian’s remarks heighten tensions, they do not necessarily signal an imminent transition to open, conventional warfare between Iran and Western powers. Modern conflicts often involve a mix of military posturing, economic sanctions, cyber operations and proxy engagements rather than traditional battlefield confrontations. Nevertheless, the rhetoric of “total war” can have destabilizing effects by lowering thresholds for miscalculation and increasing the likelihood of unintended clashes.
Iran’s network of allied militias and proxy forces across the region, including in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, adds layers of complexity. These groups could be drawn into broader hostilities if tensions escalate, potentially widening the theatre of conflict. Regional security watchers emphasize that containment, diplomacy and confidence-building measures will be critical to preventing a spiral into uncontrolled violence.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, diplomatic avenues have not been entirely closed. International efforts to resume negotiations on nuclear constraints and confidence-building measures continue, albeit amid skepticism on all sides. U.S. and European officials have said they remain open to meaningful dialogue if Iran demonstrates verifiable commitments to curb nuclear enrichment. Tehran, for its part, has repeatedly insisted that sanctions must be lifted and that its rights to peaceful nuclear technology be respected as a precondition for talks.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic, economic and military elements interacting in unpredictable ways. Iran’s assertion that it is in “total war” with Western powers reflects deep-seated grievances and geopolitical rivalries that have persisted for decades. Whether this marks a turning point toward open conflict or serves as a strategic posture in a broader contest of influence will depend on the choices of leaders in Tehran, Washington, Jerusalem and key European capitals in the coming weeks and months.
For now, the world watches cautiously as tensions simmer, knowing that the consequences of escalation could reverberate far beyond the Middle East.
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