TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran is engaged in a “full-scale war” with the United States, describing the ongoing confrontation as a defining moment for the Islamic Republic.
Speaking on Monday, Pezeshkian said Iran must accept the consequences of the conflict while insisting that the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed with Washington in June largely protects Iran’s national interests and principles.
The remarks come as military hostilities between the United States and Iran continue despite previous diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. Iranian officials maintain that the memorandum did not require Tehran to compromise its sovereignty or revolutionary values, while accusing Washington of escalating the conflict through continued military operations in the region.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that mediators have presented proposals to de-escalate the crisis. Although Tehran is reviewing the initiatives, officials stressed that diplomacy remains active alongside military operations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran would continue pursuing negotiations where they serve national interests but warned that any further US military action would receive a firm response.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its ground forces are on maximum alert and prepared to repel any potential US ground invasion. Iranian military officials also claimed responsibility for attacks targeting US military facilities in Kuwait, Jordan, and Syria, although some claims have not been independently verified.
The conflict has also disrupted maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Reports of attacks on commercial vessels and oil tankers have raised fresh concerns about global oil supplies, pushing crude prices higher. Regional governments, including Bahrain and Kuwait, activated emergency measures following drone and missile threats.
The United States has confirmed additional military casualties, including service members killed during recent Iranian attacks in Jordan. Washington has stated that its operations are intended to protect international shipping and counter Iranian military capabilities, while remaining open to a diplomatic solution.
As fighting intensifies, both sides continue to exchange military strikes while leaving the door open for mediated negotiations. The latest developments highlight growing instability across the Middle East, with concerns mounting over regional security, global energy markets, and the possibility of a broader conflict involving neighboring countries.
