Did Iran declare war on the US? Here is what Iran’s president said

Let’s be clear: Iran has not issued a formal declaration of war against the United States. Instead, its president used deliberately confrontational language to describe what Tehran views as an ongoing, multi-front struggle with Washington and its allies.

What did Iran’s president say about “total war”?

In an interview published by Iranian state media, reported by Barron’s, President Masoud Pezeshkian said: “In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees.” The wording has fueled headlines, but it does not amount to a legal or military declaration of war under international norms.

Pezeshkian framed the conflict as far broader than direct combat and he argued this makes the current confrontation very different than the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war, even if it lacks a conventional battlefield.

“This war is worse than the one launched against us by Iraq. On closer inspection, it is far more complex and difficult.”

Is Iran preparing for war against the West?

Notably absent from his remarks was any announcement of new military action against the US or its forces. Iran’s leadership, as far as we can tell, has not mobilized for war, severed diplomatic channels, or issued ultimatums, all of which would normally accompany an actual declaration.

The comments, of course, come at a sensitive moment. Iran remains under UN-linked sanctions tied to its nuclear program, while Israeli and US officials claim Tehran is rebuilding air defenses and missile capabilities damaged during June’s short but intense conflict with Israel. That fighting involved Israeli strikes backed by US air power, significantly raising tensions.

At the same time, Tehran appears poised to increase its influence over Hamas, a development that worries Israel as fragile Gaza negotiations continue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also expected to press Donald Trump on potential next steps against Iran.

In short, Iran is certainly escalating its rhetoric to signal resistance and deterrence, but it has not declared war on the United States.

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