Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, a deputy under the absent “Supreme Leader” Mojtaba Khamenei, stated on Monday that the nation is in “all-out war” with the United States following the breakdown of a previous peace agreement.
During his visit to the Supreme Judicial Council, one of Iran’s most prominent courts, Pezeshkian remarked, as reported by state media, that the declared war against the US is part of a broader strategy that includes economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts. This announcement coincided with new reports from the US Central Command regarding attacks on Iranian military targets, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry mentioned talks about a potential peace deal with an unnamed “mediator.”
Since February, the US and Iran have essentially been at odds, especially after President Donald Trump initiated Operation Epic Fury aimed at ousting Iran’s long-time leader, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Following a ceasefire in April, a “memorandum of understanding” was created in June to kick off a 60-day negotiation period for a more solid peace treaty. Instead, the Iranian government held a funeral for Khamenei around the time of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4. This event sparked calls for Trump’s demise from an enraged crowd and resulted in military actions against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments led to a revival of American military activities aimed at limiting Iran’s capacity to target maritime operations and neighboring countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
In his address, Pezeshkian emphasized that “Iran is engaged in an all-out war that goes far beyond a missile attack,” though he noted that the critical front is not just military. He expressed concern that military attacks alone would not suffice to weaken Iran and pointed out that the enemy is instead focusing on disrupting Iran’s economy and daily life. He cautioned that growing public frustration due to economic pressure could erode the support the government has among its citizens.
While he didn’t directly reference them, most likely he was alluding to the protests that surged before Operation Epic Fury. In late December, many Iranians began protesting against years of political oppression, declining living standards, and inflation. The regime reacted by shutting down internet access and committing numerous abuses against its populace. By late January, various opposition groups estimated that the government had killed roughly 30,000 people involved in the pro-democracy demonstrations.
To avert a similar fate, Pezeshkian acknowledged the serious economic challenges facing the country on Tuesday, advocating for “unity, collective decision-making, and coordination across all government branches” to navigate the crisis. He urged his administration to address issues like “poverty, unemployment, and livelihood challenges.” State media implied that he was trying to distance himself from some presidential responsibilities, emphasizing that ultimate decision-making power lies with the leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
The current “leader of the Islamic revolution” is Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly nor communicated via video or audio since taking on the role in March. He reportedly skipped his father’s funeral; however, three of Khamenei’s siblings were present. He only released a written statement pledging revenge against the US and Trump.
Despite Pezeshkian’s comments on being engaged in “all-out war,” commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) proclaimed an increase in military operations in the Persian Gulf. Brigadier General Mohammad Karami, in a recent statement, assured that the armed forces are persistently enhancing their defensive capabilities to counter any threats, declaring that the Iranian populace and military stand ready to respond to any form of aggression. Like other commanders, he used the moment to promise retaliation against the US for the elder Khamenei’s removal.
Leaders from the Revolutionary Guard and other factions echoed this sentiment on Tuesday, asserting their complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, an essential maritime route that Iran has managed to blockade for months.
Pezeshkian’s statement contrasts sharply with the foreign ministry’s recent assertion that the country is engaged with an unidentified “mediator” in efforts to negotiate a new peace deal. State media reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with ambassadors from Italy, France, and the United Kingdom, aiming to optimize Iran’s discussion points and include allies in conversations with the United States.
“Emphasizing the need to utilize all diplomatic avenues to safeguard national interests, Araghchi highlighted the importance of ongoing active dialogue,” state media relayed, mentioning that he laid out the Islamic Republic of Iran’s fundamental positions while responsibly addressing bilateral and multilateral matters with European nations.
