Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has dramatically raised the stakes in Middle East tensions, declaring that Iran is already engaged in a full-scale war with the United States, Israel and Europe — a claim that comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets President Donald Trump in Florida.
Rather than framing the situation as a looming escalation, Pezeshkian described the conflict as active and ongoing. In remarks reported by the Associated Press, he said Iran is facing a campaign more complex and dangerous than the eight-year Iran–Iraq war, one that targets every pillar of national stability instead of relying on traditional battlefields.
Iran Says the War Has Already Begun
Pezeshkian argued that Iran is under attack on multiple fronts, including military strikes, economic sanctions, political pressure and what he described as cultural and cyber warfare. By defining the pressure campaign as an existing war, Tehran appears to be preparing its population for a prolonged confrontation while signaling to Western governments that their actions are viewed as acts of aggression, not deterrence.
The remarks land at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Iran expected to dominate discussions when Netanyahu meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
June Air War Still Reverberates
Iranian officials trace the current phase of confrontation to a brief but intense air conflict in June. Israeli strikes began on June 13, followed by US bunker-buster attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. Tehran says between 610 and 1,190 people were killed, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes that killed 28 people in Israel. Although the fighting lasted less than two weeks, Pezeshkian now frames it as part of a sustained campaign rather than a one-off clash, marking the most direct confrontation between Iran and Western-backed forces in decades.
A War Beyond Bombs and Missiles
In comments also cited by Fox News, Pezeshkian said modern warfare no longer relies solely on firepower. He accused Western governments of attempting to weaken Iran through sanctions, diplomatic isolation, cyber operations and internal destabilization.
Despite heavy international pressure, Pezeshkian claimed Iran’s military capabilities have strengthened since June and warned that any future attack would meet a more forceful response.
Trump–Netanyahu Meeting Adds Pressure
The Iranian president’s remarks come just ahead of Netanyahu’s latest visit to the United States, where he is expected to urge Trump to take a tougher stance on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as Hamas’ role in Gaza.
Netanyahu has repeatedly praised Trump as Israel’s strongest ally while quietly pressing for more aggressive action against Israel’s adversaries. This time, however, the reception may be more restrained. Trump, who has promoted himself as a president of peace, has grown cautious about deeper US involvement in the Middle East amid public fatigue over prolonged wars.
Strains Beneath the Alliance
While Trump and Netanyahu continue to publicly emphasize their close relationship, tensions have surfaced in recent months. Trump has been wary of Israeli strikes in Syria and concerned that military escalations could undermine fragile diplomatic efforts, including a Gaza ceasefire he helped broker in October.
The ceasefire remains under strain, with slow progress toward a second phase that includes Hamas’ disarmament, reconstruction of Gaza and the creation of a post-war governance structure. The United States is pushing to move forward, while Israel has been reluctant to withdraw further without concrete steps from Hamas.
Iran remains the most volatile issue between Washington and Jerusalem. Trump previously ordered strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, insisting they were aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies pursuing a bomb and says its nuclear program remains intact.
Long-Term Confrontation Taking Shape
By declaring that Iran is already at war, Pezeshkian signals a shift toward long-term confrontation rather than short-term escalation. The rhetoric provides justification for increased defense spending, tighter internal controls and deeper coordination with regional allies.
While the statement does not amount to a formal declaration of war under international law, it reflects how Tehran now defines its relationship with the West.
As Trump and Netanyahu prepare for high-stakes talks, Iran’s message is clear: from Tehran’s perspective, the conflict is no longer about preventing war — it is about enduring one that has already begun.
If you find my content helpful, consider buying me a coffee to show your appreciation and help me continue creating.
Buy Me a Coffee