Iran’s president says country in midst of ‘total war’ with US, Israel and Europe

In interview, Masoud Pezeshkian claims Islamic Republic’s army now stronger than before June conflict, outlines 20-point economic plan to improve ailing economy

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview published Saturday that his country was fighting a “total war” against the United States, Israel and Europe.

“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees,” Pezeshkian told Iranian state media.

He added that Iran’s conflict with the West was, in his view, worse than the war against Iraq that Iran fought in the 1980s.

“During the war with Iraq, the situation was clear: they fired missiles, and we knew exactly where we were responding. But now, we are being surrounded from every angle,” he said.

Nevertheless, Pezeshkian maintained that following the June war with Israel, Iran’s armed forces were now stronger and better equipped.

“Our beloved 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 attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response,” he said.

He argued that the war had actually strengthened internal unity rather than weakening the country, claiming that government services continued uninterrupted throughout the fighting.

He also called on Iranians to remain united and to avoid public disagreements, asserting that Iran’s adversaries seek to exploit internal divisions.

The 12-day war between Israel and Iran broke out in June following a surprise Israeli strike on strategic Iranian targets. Israel said its sweeping assault on Iran’s top military leaders, nuclear scientists, uranium enrichment sites, and ballistic missile program was necessary to prevent the Islamic Republic from realizing its avowed plan to destroy the Jewish state.

According to Iranian reports, Pezeshkian himself was nearly killed and had his leg injured by an Israeli strike during the war.

Touching on Iran’s struggling economy, Pezeshkian said the nation was facing serious economic pressure due to sanctions, lower oil revenue, and the impact of conflict, but emphasized that his government’s top priority is protecting people’s livelihoods.

He outlined a 20-point economic plan to stabilize prices for essential goods and support lower-income households, including wider use of vouchers.

The Iranian president also stressed that the government must cut spending, draft an austere budget, and improve efficiency. A major theme was reducing waste, especially in water, electricity, and fuel consumption. Pezeshkian noted that he uses a desk lamp instead of lighting up an entire room to cut electricity costs.

According to The New York Times, Pezeshkian has described the government’s spending practices as “what crazy people do.”

In recent comments made in speeches and while speaking to university students in Iran, Pezeshkian said that, despite being president, he could not do anything to aid Iran’s ailing economy.

“If someone can do something, by all means go for it,” he told students, according to The New York Times. “I can’t do anything; don’t curse me.”

“Why should I solve [the economic problems]?” he reportedly told provincial governors and local officials. “You shouldn’t think that the president can make miracles happen.”

The reported comments drew criticism from Iranian media and politicians.

Asked about his statements, Pezeshkian said Saturday: “Of course, I have said many times that I cannot do it, but that we can. The country’s problems are not something I can solve alone… but we will overcome these problems.”