Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a comprehensive open letter addressed to the citizens of the United States, offering Tehran's perspective on the escalating geopolitical tensions. " He alleged that the United States is being utilized by Israel to wage a war that contradicts genuine American interests. The letter comes at a critical juncture as rhetoric between Washington and Tehran intensifies following recent military developments in the Middle East.
Questioning the 'America First' Doctrine
President Pezeshkian directly challenged the "America First" policy championed by President-elect Donald Trump. He questioned whether this doctrine truly reflects the current priorities of the US government. According to Pezeshkian, the ongoing conflict against Iran doesn't serve the interests of the American people. He asked whether the killing of innocent children, the destruction of pharmaceutical factories producing cancer treatments, or the pride taken in threatening to send a nation back to the "Stone Age" serves any purpose other than damaging America's global standing. He argued that such actions undermine the moral authority of the US and foster long-term resentment worldwide.
Allegations of Israeli Manipulation and Proxy Warfare
A significant portion of the letter focused on the role of Israel in shaping US foreign policy. Pezeshkian accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of manipulating Washington into a direct confrontation with Iran for decades, while he questioned whether the US has effectively become a "proxy" for Israeli aggression in the region. The Iranian President suggested that by portraying Iran as an existential threat, Israel seeks to divert global attention from its actions against Palestinians, while he claimed that Israel is willing to fight Iran "to the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar" to achieve its own strategic objectives at the expense of regional stability.
Rebuttal of the 'Iranian Threat' Narrative
Pezeshkian categorically denied that Tehran poses a threat to other nations or the American people. He highlighted that even while Iranian negotiators were engaged in multilateral nuclear talks, the country faced military aggression. He cited specific instances, including a 12-day conflict initiated by Israel in June 2025 and subsequent attacks in late February of the same year. The President emphasized that targeting Iran's critical infrastructure, including energy and industrial facilities, is a direct attack on the Iranian population. He characterized these actions as war crimes that produce consequences far beyond Iran's borders, creating instability and increasing humanitarian costs.
Impact on Infrastructure and Humanitarian Concerns
The letter detailed the severe humanitarian and economic repercussions of the ongoing hostilities. Pezeshkian noted that the destruction of vital infrastructure leads to a cycle of tension and sows seeds of resentment that persist for generations. He argued that the use of military force against civilian-centric assets isn't a demonstration of strength but rather a sign of "strategic delusion" and an inability to achieve lasting diplomatic solutions. The President pointed out that the economic burden of these conflicts is shared by the global community, leading to increased costs and humanitarian crises that could be avoided through constructive engagement.
Response to Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Threats
The timing of Pezeshkian's letter is significant, appearing just hours after Donald Trump issued a social media threat regarding the Strait of Hormuz. " Trump also claimed that the "President of the new regime" in Iran had requested a ceasefire to end the war—a claim that Iranian officials have firmly rejected. Pezeshkian's letter serves as a formal response to these threats, asserting that Iran remains committed to its sovereignty and won't be intimidated by coercive rhetoric. He concluded by calling for a shift in perspective to avoid further escalation.