Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a stark warning about the international situation, stating that Iran is facing a “total war” and that there is a real risk of a large-scale escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Europe, amid mounting military tensions, economic sanctions, and nuclear disputes.

In a recent interview, Pezeshkian compared the current moment to the Iran-Iraq war, one of the deadliest conflicts in modern Middle Eastern history, and argued that today’s challenges are even more severe.

“This war is worse than the one Iraq launched against us. The current threat is far more complex and surrounds us from multiple directions,” he said.

The president explained that, unlike the war with Iraq—when attacks were direct and responses clearly defined—the present conflict involves constant and multifaceted pressure.

“Back then, we knew where the missiles were coming from. Today, we are surrounded on all sides,” he stated, referring to sanctions, covert operations, indirect attacks, and coordinated diplomatic pressure.

His remarks came ahead of a key meeting in Washington between United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fueling speculation about closer international coordination to intensify pressure on Tehran.

The United States and Europe in the middle

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Pezeshkian downplayed the impact of recent attacks and sanctions. He recalled that the UN imposed new measures and that U.S. forces struck Iranian facilities in June, though experts agree those actions failed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“Our armed forces are doing their job with strength. Despite all the challenges we face, we are stronger today than when the attacks began,” he said.

Domestically, Pezeshkian has also faced criticism over comments on Iran’s struggling economy. Speaking to students, he voiced frustration about the limits of presidential power under severe external pressure. “Do not expect miracles from the president.

One person cannot solve the country’s problems alone,” he said, later clarifying that national recovery requires collective effort.

With a defiant tone, Pezeshkian concluded by reaffirming that Iran will not yield to external pressure and will continue to defend its sovereignty in the face of mounting tensions with the United States and Europe.