Iran’s Pezeshkian Urges Americans to Question War Motives in Open Letter
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued an open letter to the American people, urging them to look beyond what he described as “a flood of distortions and manufactured narratives” and to question whose interests are truly being served by the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran. The letter, shared by Iran’s state-run broadcaster PressTV, comes as the conflict continues to escalate, with President Donald Trump recently claiming that the US could end the war in two to three weeks, with or without a deal.
The Letter’s Core Message
In the letter, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran has never initiated a war in its modern history, despite enduring occupation, invasion, and sustained pressure from global powers. He argued that portraying Iran as a threat is inconsistent with historical and contemporary reality, and that such perceptions are manufactured to justify pressure, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets. “Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war?” Pezeshkian wrote, questioning whether the “America First” policy is truly a priority for the US government.
The Iranian president also condemned the human cost of the war, mentioning the massacre of innocent children and the destruction of cancer-treatment pharmaceutical facilities, and asked whether such actions do anything other than damage the United States’ global standing. He warned that attacks on Iran’s vital infrastructure, including energy and industrial facilities, directly target the Iranian people and constitute war crimes, carrying consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders.
Historical Grievances and Claims of Strength
Pezeshkian presented a historical narrative of US-Iran relations, citing the 1953 CIA-engineered coup that overthrew Iran’s democratically elected government as a turning point that halted democracy and created deep distrust. He also noted that Iran has been attacked twice while its negotiators were participating in multilateral nuclear talks—once during Israel’s 12-day war in June 2025, with the US briefly joining, and again at the end of February this year. According to the president, these attacks demonstrate that Iran has been the victim, not the aggressor.
Despite extensive sanctions and direct military actions, Pezeshkian claimed that Iran has grown stronger, with literacy rates tripling and significant advances in technology, healthcare, and infrastructure. He encouraged the American public to ignore media propaganda and to recognize Iran’s resilience, stating that while many aggressors have come and gone, “All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures – resilient, dignified and proud.”
A Call for Global Judgment
In a related development, Pezeshkian posted on X that while he was addressing the American people, the head of Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Policy was targeted in an assassination attempt, resulting in the death of his wife. He invited the world to judge which side “engages in dialogue and negotiation, and which in terrorism.” This message underscores the heightened tensions and the personal toll the conflict has taken on Iranian officials.
Regional and International Reactions
The letter has drawn attention from various quarters. Some analysts see it as an attempt by Iran to influence public opinion in the United States, potentially to pressure the Trump administration to seek a ceasefire. The conflict has already seen significant military exchanges, and Trump’s recent threat to continue “blasting Iran into oblivion” unless the Strait of Hormuz is reopened has added to the rhetoric. However, the Iranian president’s open letter suggests that diplomatic channels remain open, even as the war continues.
As the war rages, the international community watches closely. The United Nations and other global actors have called for de-escalation, but no clear path to peace has emerged. The Iranian president’s letter is a reminder that, amid the military confrontation, there is also a battle for narratives and public support—a battle that Pezeshkian is clearly trying to win in the court of American public opinion.
Perspectives
- Iranian Government Perspective: The letter reflects Tehran’s position that the war is unjustified, that Iran has never been the aggressor, and that the US and Israel are responsible for the destruction and suffering. It frames Iran as a victim defending itself against unwarranted attacks, while portraying the US as acting on behalf of Israel.
- US Administration Perspective: While not directly responding to the letter, the Trump administration has consistently argued that military action is necessary to counter Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. Trump’s repeated threats and claims of imminent victory suggest that Washington sees the war as a strategic necessity.
- Independent Observers: Many international analysts view the letter as a diplomatic overture aimed at mobilizing anti-war sentiment in the US, given the increasing costs of the conflict for American taxpayers. Some also note that the assassination attempt on an Iranian official could further escalate tensions, complicating any potential negotiations.