Iran's President Challenges Trump: Is This War Truly America First?
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has launched a sharp critique of US war policies through an open letter addressed directly to the American public. He questions whether the conflict triggered by the Trump administration truly aligns with the interests of the American people.
The statement reflects Tehran’s efforts to build an alternative narrative amid escalating conflict.
In the letter published on social media on Wednesday local time, Pezeshkian poses fundamental questions. He also references Trump’s political slogan.
“Which interests of the American people are actually served by this war?” said Pezeshkian.
“Is ‘America First’ truly the priority of the US government at present?” he stated.
Pezeshkian emphasised that Iran has never chosen the path of aggression in its modern history. He views the image of Iran as a threat as a construct of global politics.
“Iran has never started a war. The perception that we are a threat stems from the political and economic interests of powerful parties,” he said.
Nevertheless, he defended Tehran’s recent military actions, which involved launching drone and missile attacks in the Gulf region. According to him, these actions constitute legitimate self-defence.
“What we are doing is legitimate defence,” he asserted.
In the letter, Pezeshkian also sought to distinguish between the US government and its people. He stated that Iran does not harbour enmity towards any international society, including Americans.
“The Iranian people have no hostility towards any nation, including the American, European, or neighbouring peoples,” he revealed.
He warned that the world is now at a dangerous crossroads. According to him, continuing the path of confrontation will only amplify losses for all parties.
“Continuing the conflict will become increasingly expensive and futile,” he said.
Iran, he added, has not responded to the United States’ (US) proposal nor submitted its own.
The presence of US troops with ground combat capabilities in the area embroiled in active conflict demonstrates Washington’s readiness.
Iran affirms that there have been no direct negotiations with the US and describes new contacts as limited to mediators, countering Washington’s claims regarding diplomacy.
Trump’s foreign policy advisers state that the US has no interest in prolonging the conflict with Iran beyond three months.
Gas facilities in Iran were reportedly targeted in attacks during the Iran-US-Israel war, amid a shift in stance by US President Donald Trump.