Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made highly escalatory remarks in a lengthy interview published on December 27-28, 2025, on the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
He described Iran as being in a “full-scale war”, “total war”, or “full-fledged war” with the United States, Israel, and Europe. Key quotes from the interview, as reported consistently across multiple outlets:” In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.”
He compared it unfavorably to the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War: “This war is worse than the war with Iraq… it is far more complex and difficult,” referring to multifaceted pressures including economic sanctions, cultural influences, political isolation, security threats, and prior military strikes.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 19 (Feb 9 – May 2, 2026): big discounts for early bird.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register for Tekedia AI Lab: From Technical Design to Deployment (next edition begins Jan 24 2026).
Pezeshkian claimed Iran is “besieged from every aspect” and warned that any future attacks would meet a “more decisive response,” asserting Iran’s military is now stronger. These statements come amid heightened regional tensions in late 2025.
A direct 12-day air war between Israel and Iran with U.S. involvement in June 2025, triggered by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in ~1,100 Iranian deaths including commanders and scientists and Iranian retaliatory missiles killing 28 in Israel.
Renewed UN sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program reimposed by France, Germany, and the UK in September 2025. Concerns over Iran rebuilding nuclear facilities and ballistic missiles.
The remarks were timed just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago on December 29, 2025, where Iran was a key topic; Trump warned against Iran rebuilding its nuclear program.
This is rhetorical escalation, framing ongoing hybrid confrontations (sanctions, proxy conflicts, cyberattacks, and past strikes) as a comprehensive “war.” It is not a formal declaration of conventional war or an announcement of immediate military mobilization against the U.S., Israel, or Europe.
Iran has long used such language to rally domestic support amid economic woes like rial at record lows, protests in Tehran and external pressures. The statement has been widely covered by reputable sources including AP News, with no indications it is fabricated or a hoax.
Regional risks remain high, with potential for miscalculation, but as of December 30, 2025, no new direct hostilities have erupted from this rhetoric. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s declaration frames ongoing hybrid pressures as a comprehensive “total war” worse than the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War.
This is rhetorical escalation, not a formal war declaration or mobilization for direct conflict. No new hostilities have erupted immediately, but the statement carries significant short- and long-term risks. Pezeshkian calls for internal cohesion amid economic crisis, inflation >53%, rial at record lows, reduced oil revenue.
It deflects blame for hardships onto external enemies, justifying sacrifices and suppressing dissent. Published on Supreme Leader Khamenei’s site, it aligns the reformist-leaning president with the regime’s core narrative, potentially strengthening IRGC positions while Pezeshkian navigates parliamentary and economic challenges.
If economic woes worsen without relief, rhetoric could fuel protests rather than unity. Warning of a “more decisive response” to future attacks signals stronger retaliation, raising chances of spiral in proxy conflicts like Houthis in Red Sea, Hezbollah in Lebanon, militias in Iraq/Syria.
Iran’s Rebuilding Efforts
Tehran views survival of June 2025 strikes as victory, potentially emboldening missile and nuclear reconstitution. Israel monitors this closely; renewed strikes could trigger broader war.
Bolsters ties with Hamas/Houthis/Hezbollah, complicating Gaza ceasefire (Phase 2 stalled over disarmament) and Lebanon stability. Released just before Netanyahu-Trump Mar-a-Lago meeting, it aims to preempt tougher stances. Trump warned Iran against rebuilding nuclear/missile programs, threatening strikes and supporting potential Israeli action.
Its reinforces Trump’s “maximum pressure” revival; complicates any nuclear diplomacy, talks stalled since June strikes. Trump indicated openness to deals but prioritized Israeli concerns. White House/Israeli Embassy declined comment initially; focus remains on deterrence rather than direct engagement.
Its justifies Iran’s defiance against reimposed UN/E3 sanctions. Risks further isolation if enrichment resumes. Escalation could disrupt oil routes like the Strait of Hormuz, spike prices, or draw in Gulf states. Analysts warn of multi-front crisis in 2026 if diplomacy fails.
Primarily propaganda to consolidate power and signal resilience; unlikely to trigger immediate war. Increases volatility—Tehran’s “survivalist” mindset may encourage riskier behavior, while US-Israel alignment signals readiness for preemptive action.
De-escalation hinges on backchannel talks or economic relief, but prospects dim amid mutual distrust. Regional tensions remain elevated but contained as of December 30, with no reports of new strikes or mobilizations.