Iranian President Issues Open Letter to Americans Amid Conflict
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has released an open letter to Americans, directly questioning U.S. foreign policy objectives amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The letter challenges "distortions and manufactured narratives" attributed to the Trump administration and asks whether "America First" truly remains a priority for the U.S. government.
Pezeshkian's Core Message to Americans
In his letter, Pezeshkian defends Iran, asserting that it has not initiated a war. He portrays President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda as inconsistent with current U.S. military actions in the Middle East. These actions, Pezeshkian argues, have led to fatalities, critical infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global energy supplies following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Pezeshkian questioned whose interests the war serves for the American people, asking if an objective threat from Iran justified such actions.
He further inquired if actions like the "massacre of innocent children," the destruction of cancer-treatment facilities, or rhetoric about bombing a country "back to the stone ages" contribute to damaging the United States’ global standing.
Background and Timing of the Letter
The letter was released on Wednesday afternoon, strategically preceding President Trump's scheduled address to U.S. citizens regarding the military strikes in Iran. U.S. and Israeli forces initiated strikes against Iran on February 28, notably without a prior address to the American people from the president.
Pezeshkian's letter followed public statements from President Trump suggesting that U.S.-Iranian negotiations might lead to a ceasefire. Trump had stated on Truth Social that a ceasefire would only be considered once the "Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear."
Trump also stated, "Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!" Iran has described such reports as inauthentic.
Iran's Accusations: "War Crime" and "Proxy for Israel"
Pezeshkian stated that attacks on Iran’s vital infrastructure, including energy and industrial facilities, directly target the Iranian people. He described such actions as constituting a war crime and having consequences beyond Iran’s borders. He asserted that these actions generate instability, increase human and economic costs, and perpetuate cycles of tension, fostering long-term resentment.
He characterized this as a "sign of strategic bewilderment and an inability to achieve a sustainable solution," rather than a display of strength.
Pezeshkian claimed the U.S. entered the aggression as a "proxy for Israel," influenced by that regime, linking it to Israel's alleged efforts to divert global attention from its "crimes" against Palestinians.
He questioned whether Israel aims to engage Iran using American resources, thereby "shifting the burden of its delusions" onto Iran, the region, and the U.S. in pursuit of "illegitimate interests."
The Conflict's Duration and Domestic Impact
The conflict has continued for over 30 days, leading to public questions regarding the operation's intent. This follows previous statements from President Trump and administration officials about the "obliteration" of Iranian nuclear facilities in summer 2025.
President Trump has issued varied statements regarding the conflict's duration, at times indicating it is beginning and at others suggesting a quick end. He mentioned a 2-3 week timeframe on Tuesday, contrasting with earlier estimates of 4-6 weeks after initial strikes. The stated end goal remains to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Trump has assigned blame to NATO allies for not participating in U.S. military efforts and has questioned U.S. membership in the alliance. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has voiced similar sentiments.
On Tuesday, national average gas prices surpassed $4 per gallon, a level not seen since 2022. Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Americans, particularly independent voters, express opposition to overseas military action.
Iran's Stance: No Animosity, Manufactured Threat
Pezeshkian stated that the Iranian people hold no animosity towards other nations, including those in America, Europe, or neighboring countries. He asserted that Iranians have historically distinguished between governments and their populations, even amid foreign interventions and pressures. He described this as a deeply rooted principle in Iranian culture and collective consciousness, rather than a temporary political stance.
Pezeshkian also asserted that portraying Iran as a threat is inconsistent with historical reality and current facts.
He added that such a perception is attributed to the "political and economic whims of the powerful," driven by the need to create an enemy to justify pressure, maintain military dominance, support the arms industry, and control strategic markets, claiming that if a threat is absent, it is manufactured.
President Trump is scheduled to address the American public at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday.