Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Iran is currently in a “full state of war” with the United States, Israel, and European nations. This significant announcement, published on the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscores a period of intensified international tensions.
Rising Complexities in Regional Conflict
President Pezeshkian described the current conflict as more intricate and perilous than the Iran-Iraq war fought between 1980 and 1988, which resulted in millions of casualties. He highlighted a notable increase in pressure across economic, military, and political fronts, noting that these challenges are more formidable than traditional warfare.
This declaration coincides with a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President Trump at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Discussions at this meeting are anticipated to focus heavily on Iran, including its nuclear program and potential military interventions.
International Pressures and Military Stance
The Iranian President also appealed for national unity, stating that adversaries seek to exploit internal divisions within the country. While the United States and its allies allege Iran is developing nuclear weapons, Iran consistently refutes these claims, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Following his return to power in January 2025, former President Trump reinstated his ‘Maximum Pressure’ policy, aiming to halt Iran’s oil exports and imposing additional sanctions. Concurrently, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom reimposed United Nations sanctions in September, which had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear agreement, thereby escalating economic strain on Iran. Iran maintains that Western countries are utilizing these sanctions as a tool for political coercion rather than pursuing peace.
Despite attacks in June, President Pezeshkian affirmed the increased strength of Iran’s military, both in terms of weaponry and personnel. He issued a warning that any further attacks would be met with a strong response.
Recent Hostilities and Ceasefire
A 12-day direct conflict occurred between Israel and Iran in June 2025, during which Israeli forces targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel. The United States later intervened, bombing three Iranian nuclear sites, which subsequently halted nuclear negotiations that had been ongoing since April.
The primary objective of Israel’s attacks was to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program. On June 22, the US launched attacks on key Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan. A US-mediated ceasefire was implemented two days later, bringing an end to the hostilities.
