Iran's president has sharply escalated rhetoric over regional tensions, declaring that the country is already engaged in a "full-scale war" with the United States, Israel and their European allies, a statement that reframes months of military confrontation, sanctions pressure and diplomatic standoffs as an active conflict rather than a looming one. The remarks, reported by the Associated Press, come days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump, with Gaza and Iran expected to dominate the agenda.
President Masoud Pezeshkian described the current confrontation as broader and more complex than past conflicts, arguing that Iran is facing pressure across military, economic, political and cultural fronts simultaneously. By casting the situation as an ongoing war, Tehran appears to be preparing domestic audiences for prolonged confrontation while signaling to foreign governments that it views recent Western actions as acts of aggression rather than deterrence.
The comments follow a brief but intense round of hostilities in June, when Israeli strikes beginning on June 13 were followed by U.S. attacks on June 22 targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian officials said the exchange resulted in between 610 and 1,190 deaths, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists, while Iranian missile retaliation killed 28 people in Israel.
Iranian officials have increasingly portrayed that episode as part of a broader campaign rather than an isolated clash. Pezeshkian said the country now faces a conflict that extends beyond traditional battlefields, encompassing sanctions, diplomatic isolation and pressure on domestic stability. He characterized these measures as coordinated efforts designed to weaken Iran internally.
The timing of the remarks underscores Tehran's concern over upcoming diplomacy between Washington and Jerusalem. Netanyahu's meeting with Trump is expected to address Iran's nuclear program, regional influence and the future of Gaza, all areas Tehran considers central to what it views as a Western-led strategy against it.
Trump previously ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, arguing they were necessary to curb enrichment activities. Iranian officials continue to deny pursuing nuclear weapons and insist their program is peaceful, while maintaining that the attacks demonstrated hostile intent. Pezeshkian said Iran's military capabilities have strengthened since June and warned that any renewed attack would face a stronger response.
Iranian officials also link the confrontation to broader pressure campaigns, including sanctions and what they describe as political and cultural interference. Pezeshkian argued that the conflict now targets livelihoods and social cohesion, not just military assets, reinforcing Tehran's claim that it is already under siege.
The president's framing reflects a shift toward preparing the public for sustained tension. By describing the situation as a war already in progress, Iranian leadership can justify expanded defense spending, tighter internal controls and closer coordination with regional partners.
