Iran has openly declared what many feared was coming.
The Islamic Republic now says it is in a state of “total war” with the U.S., Israel, and Europe, marking a dangerous escalation as Tehran moves to rebuild its nuclear program.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made the explosive claim in an interview published by state media on Saturday.
“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe,” Pezeshkian said. “They want to bring our country to its knees.”
Pezeshkian compared the current confrontation to the brutal Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s and claimed today’s conflict is even worse.
“This war is worse than the one launched against us by Iraq,” he said. “It is far more complex and difficult.”
The declaration comes as Iran faces renewed United Nations sanctions pushed by France, Britain, and Germany over its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Those sanctions follow the June 12-day war with Israel, when Israeli forces, backed by devastating U.S. airstrikes, wiped out large portions of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Despite the damage, Western intelligence agencies now warn that Iran is rapidly rebuilding both its air defenses and ballistic missile program.
Israeli officials believe Tehran is attempting to restore capabilities destroyed during the conflict and shorten its path back to a nuclear breakout.
At the same time, Iran is tightening its grip on terrorist proxy groups across the region, according to the New York Post.
Sources say a Tehran-backed candidate is poised to take control of Hamas’ political bureau in the coming days.
Khalil al Hayya, a senior Hamas figure with close ties to Iran, is expected to defeat longtime leader Khaled Mashaal in an internal vote.
Israeli intelligence officials believe al Hayya would push a harder line against Israel and undermine any remaining ceasefire framework in Gaza.
As tensions surge, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago early next week.
Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to pitch Trump on launching additional strikes against Iran if Tehran continues rebuilding its nuclear capabilities.
White House officials have acknowledged growing frustration with Israel’s actions but maintain Iran remains the central threat.
“This is not rhetoric,” one regional analyst said. “Iran is signaling it is preparing for prolonged confrontation.”
With Iran issuing open war declarations and rebuilding its arsenal, the Middle East appears closer than ever to another major conflict under President Trump’s watch.
