Iran’s President Declares “Total War” on 3 Fronts vs US, Israel, Europe
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is engaged in what he described as a “total war” against the United States, Israel and Europe, warning that the confrontation is broader and more complex than any Iran has faced before.
In an interview published on Saturday by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian said Western powers and Israel were seeking to weaken Iran on multiple fronts. “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.
He argued that the current confrontation is even more severe than the eight-year Iran–Iraq war of the 1980s. During that conflict, he said, the threat was clear and visible. “They fired missiles, and we knew exactly where we were responding. But now we are being surrounded from every angle,” he said.
Military strength and internal unity
Despite the pressure, Pezeshkian insisted Iran’s armed forces had emerged stronger following the brief but intense conflict with Israel in June. “Our military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they were attacked,” he said, adding that any new assault would meet a “more decisive response”.
He also claimed the fighting had reinforced domestic unity rather than undermined it, saying government services continued without interruption during the war. He urged Iranians to avoid public disputes, arguing that Iran’s adversaries were looking to exploit internal divisions.
The June conflict with Israel
Israel and Iran fought a 12-day war in June after a surprise Israeli strike on Iranian targets. Israel said the operation targeted senior military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment facilities and Iran’s ballistic missile programme, arguing it was necessary to prevent Tehran from pursuing its stated goal of destroying the Jewish state.
Iranian media have reported that Pezeshkian himself narrowly escaped death during the conflict and suffered a leg injury in an Israeli strike.
Economic strain and sanctions
Turning to the economy, Pezeshkian acknowledged that Iran is under severe strain from sanctions, reduced oil revenues and the impact of conflict. He said protecting people’s livelihoods was his government’s top priority.
He outlined a 20-point economic plan aimed at stabilising prices of essential goods and supporting lower-income households, including expanded use of vouchers. He also stressed the need for spending cuts, an austere national budget and improved efficiency across government.
Reducing waste, particularly in water, electricity and fuel use, was a recurring theme. Pezeshkian cited his own habits as an example, saying he uses a desk lamp rather than lighting an entire room to save electricity.
According to reporting by The New York Times, he has privately criticised state spending practices as irrational. In recent speeches and meetings with university students, he has also spoken candidly about the limits of presidential power in fixing Iran’s economy.
“If someone can do something, by all means go for it. I can’t do anything, don’t curse me,” he told students, according to the paper. In comments to provincial officials, he reportedly added: “You shouldn’t think that the president can make miracles happen.”
Those remarks drew criticism from Iranian media and political figures. Asked about them on Saturday, Pezeshkian clarified that while he could not solve the country’s problems alone, collective action could. “The country’s problems are not something I can solve by myself, but we will overcome these problems,” he said.
Broader geopolitical context
Pezeshkian’s comments come ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, and amid renewed international pressure on Tehran.
They also follow joint US and Israeli strikes earlier this year on Iranian nuclear sites, and the reimposition of United Nations sanctions by France, Germany and the United Kingdom in September over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The US and its allies continue to accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies. Washington’s involvement in the June strikes halted talks that had begun in April over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, expanding sanctions aimed at restricting oil exports and squeezing the economy. According to recent reports, Netanyahu is expected to press Trump for further action against Iran when they meet, with particular focus on Tehran’s missile programme.
Against that backdrop, Pezeshkian’s message was one of defiance and caution, portraying Iran as under siege but determined to endure through unity, restraint and preparedness.
