Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Dec 28: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the Islamic Republic is engaged in a “full-fledged war” with the United States, Israel and Europe, describing it as more complex and damaging than the eight-year Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s.

In an interview published on the official website of Iran’s Supreme Leader on Saturday, Pezeshkian alleged that Western powers do not want Iran to stand independently. “They do not want our country to stand on its feet. This war is worse than Iraq’s war against us,” he said.

Explaining the nature of the conflict, Pezeshkian said the current confrontation is not a conventional battlefield war. “If one understands it well, this war is far more complex and difficult than that war. In the war with Iraq, the situation was clear. They fired missiles, and we knew where to hit,” he said.

“In this case, they are besieging us from every aspect — economically, culturally, politically and in terms of security. They are creating problems for people’s livelihoods and putting pressure on the country from all directions,” the Iranian president added.

Referring to the possibility of future military action by the US or Israel, Pezeshkian warned of a strong response from Tehran. “Despite all the problems we face, we are now, in terms of both equipment and personnel, far stronger than we were during their previous attacks. If they choose to strike, they will naturally face a more decisive response,” he said.

The remarks come ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump in Florida this week. According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the talks are expected to focus on future steps related to regional security and the international stabilization mechanism linked to the ceasefire plan.

Earlier this month, a US State Department official told Israeli media outlet Walla that Washington continues to view Iran’s actions in the Middle East and globally as destabilising. However, the Trump administration is reportedly aiming to intensify pressure on Tehran through sanctions, diplomatic isolation and international pressure rather than opening a new military front similar to the conflict witnessed in June.