Iran President Pezeshkian warns of 'total war' and economic crisis

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that the nation is facing a "total war," warning that ongoing conflicts are exacerbating the country's severe economic challenges. During a press conference, Pezeshkian stated that his primary concern is the population's living conditions and economic situation, describing the current state of the country as being in a condition of "neither war nor peace."

The President characterized the rising cost of living as "absolutely unacceptable" and noted that since assuming office on July 30, 2024, his administration has faced new challenges daily. He attributed the economic instability to both the effects of regional conflict and pre-existing structural imbalances in sectors including water, electricity, gas, oil, the environment, public administration, and the banking system.

Pezeshkian alleged that the United States and Israel aim to exploit these domestic vulnerabilities to "overthrow" the Islamic Republic. He warned that because conventional military force is no longer sufficient to force surrender, adversaries seek to achieve their goals through internal division and social conflict. Consequently, he called for national unity and urged the media to avoid deepening social and political divides.