A chilling declaration has emerged from Iran, with President Masoud Pezeshkian claiming his nation is embroiled in a “full-scale war” against the United States, Europe, and Israel. This isn't framed as a localized conflict, but a comprehensive struggle for the very stability of the Iranian state, surpassing even the intensity of the Iran-Iraq War decades ago.
Pezeshkian’s words, released through the website of Iran’s supreme leader, paint a picture of a nation under siege. Unlike the direct missile exchanges of the past, this war is described as a multifaceted assault – economic, cultural, political, and security-focused – designed to destabilize Iran from within.
For decades, Iran has been accused of waging a proxy war against Israel and Western interests, providing support to groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. This support, coupled with recent escalations, has brought the region to a dangerous precipice.
The timing of this declaration is significant, coinciding with a planned meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu is expected to push for a more aggressive stance against Iran, particularly concerning its rapidly advancing ballistic missile program, which Israel views as an existential threat.
However, the rhetoric from Tehran isn’t solely focused outward. Internal pressures are mounting within Iran itself. Reports indicate widespread poverty, critical water shortages, and a crumbling infrastructure, with tens of thousands of buildings on the verge of collapse.
The regime’s response to growing discontent has been harsh. Executions have doubled since a recent twelve-day conflict, and protests are erupting across the country, with some even calling for the return of the exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi – a stunning display of public opposition.
Last year witnessed a series of direct attacks from Iran against Israel, justified under the guise of “self-defense.” Hundreds of missiles and drones were launched, causing limited damage but escalating tensions dramatically. These attacks were followed by further strikes in October, resulting in one tragic fatality – a Palestinian killed by falling debris.
In June, Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, reportedly aided by U.S. air support, resulted in the deaths of key military and nuclear officials, further intensifying the conflict. Despite these setbacks, assessments suggest Iran remains a potent threat.
Intelligence indicates Iran still possesses a substantial missile arsenal, and is actively working to circumvent the damage inflicted on its nuclear program. Questions remain about the location of highly enriched nuclear material and the overall state of Iran’s weapons development efforts.
While acquiring the raw materials for nuclear weapons presents a challenge, the true difficulty lies in enriching those materials to a weaponizable state – a hurdle that Iran continues to pursue, raising serious concerns about regional and global security.
