Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the situation between Iran and Western powers as a “total war.” Speaking candidly in an interview published by Iranian state media, Pezeshkian expressed his belief that the United States, Israel, and Europe are united in their efforts to weaken Iran. His remarks, reported by The Times of Israel, reflect the escalating rhetoric between Tehran and its adversaries.

Pezeshkian elaborated on his perspective, stating, “In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel, and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.” This assertion highlights the Iranian government’s perception of external pressures as part of a broader geopolitical struggle.

Drawing historical parallels, Pezeshkian compared the current tensions to the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, arguing that the present conflict is more intricate due to the multifaceted pressures Iran faces today. His comments suggest a heightened sense of vulnerability and resistance amid international scrutiny.

In an interview with Fox News Channel’s Martha MacCallum on September 25 in New York City, President Pezeshkian further discussed these issues. This appearance, captured by photographer John Lamparski, adds another dimension to the ongoing discourse surrounding Iran’s role on the global stage.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks with Fox News Channel’s Martha MacCallum during an interview on Sept. 25, in New York City.  (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

“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,” Pezeshkian said, according to The Jerusalem Post. 

“Here, they are besieging us from every aspect, they are creating problems for us in terms of livelihood, culturally, politically, and security-wise.”

Despite the strain, Pezeshkian claimed Iran’s military emerged stronger following its June conflict with Israel, according to The Times of Israel.

“Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response,” he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participates in a joint press conference with President Donald Trump at the White House, Sept. 29, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

The interview with Pezeshkian was released ahead of a planned meeting this coming week at Mar-a-Lago between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Tensions remain high following a brief but intense air conflict in June that was kicked off by Israel. 

The fighting resulted in roughly 1,100 deaths in Iran, including senior military commanders and nuclear scientists, while Iranian missile attacks killed 28 people in the Jewish State.

President Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)

On June 22, President Donald Trump announced U.S. forces had launched attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

“Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror,” the president said. “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

A US-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24.