Pezeshkian sounds alarm, says Iran in 'full-scale war' as US sanctions loom

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Sunday of a full-scale war with the United States, as Washington prepares to tighten sanctions against the regime. The president acknowledged the economic and social challenges facing Iran, including high inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power. Pezeshkian stated that Iran is in a "full-scale economic, military and security war" due to the new sanctions campaign launched by the United States.

He emphasized the country's efforts to overcome these hardships, striving to improve living conditions and secure a better future for its citizens.

The president defended a recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, describing it as the best available option to move away from a situation of "neither war nor peace." The memorandum, signed in June by the Trump administration, aimed to end the war with Iran and reach an agreement on its nuclear program within 60 days. However, the deadline has expired, and Tehran and Washington remain at odds over key issues, such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

One of the main obstacles to progress in the agreement is Iran's unwillingness to back down in negotiations. The president linked Iran's economic prospects to the success of the agreement, arguing that the ongoing uncertainty was making it difficult for the country to attract investment. He emphasized the need to remove this risk from the nation, stating that nearly six months into the war with the United States and Israel, Iran's economy is further strained by sanctions and a naval blockade, limiting Tehran's ability to export oil, its most valuable product.