Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a rare and direct appeal to the American public, stating that Iran holds “no enmity” toward ordinary Americans while challenging long-standing portrayals of his country as a global threat. In an open letter, he emphasised a clear distinction between governments and citizens, describing this approach as a deeply rooted principle in Iranian society rather than a temporary political position.
The message was released just hours before US President Donald Trump’s scheduled national address on the escalating conflict, adding a diplomatic dimension to an otherwise tense moment. Pezeshkian used the letter to counter Western narratives, arguing that framing Iran as a threat does not align with historical facts or present-day realities. He maintained that Iran has not pursued aggression in its modern history and has instead acted defensively when confronted with external pressure.
A significant portion of the letter focused on questioning the rationale behind US military actions. Pezeshkian asked whether there was any genuine threat from Iran that justified the current level of force, pointing to the humanitarian impact of the conflict. He criticised the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the loss of innocent lives, suggesting that such actions risk damaging the United States’ global credibility rather than strengthening it.
He also raised concerns about external influences on US policy, implying that Washington’s actions may be shaped by the interests of its allies, particularly Israel. In doing so, he questioned whether the conflict serves American interests or reflects broader geopolitical calculations.
The Iranian president traced his country’s deep mistrust of the United States to a series of historical developments, including the 1953 coup, decades of economic sanctions, and past military confrontations. He described these events as pivotal in shaping Iranian perceptions of US policy, arguing that they have contributed to a longstanding lack of trust between the two nations.
Despite these grievances, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek conflict and has consistently refrained from initiating war. He presented Iran’s actions as rooted in self-defence, asserting that its military posture is a response to external threats rather than an effort to expand influence.
Framing the current situation as a critical turning point, he warned that continued confrontation would lead to long-term consequences for both sides and the broader region. He urged a shift toward dialogue and engagement, arguing that the costs of sustained conflict are increasingly unsustainable.
Pezeshkian also highlighted Iran’s internal progress despite years of sanctions, pointing to advancements in education, healthcare, and technology as evidence of resilience. He encouraged Americans to look beyond what he described as misinformation and to form a more nuanced understanding of Iran and its people.
Concluding his message, he directly addressed the American public, asking them to reflect on whether the image of Iran presented in global discourse matches observable realities. The letter comes amid heightened tensions, with both sides exchanging strong rhetoric even as the possibility of diplomatic engagement remains uncertain.
