Iran’s President Questions War Motives, Says No Enmity Toward Americans

TEHRAN, Apr 1: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has addressed an open letter to the American public, defending Iran’s historical stance and urging a reconsideration of prevailing narratives amid escalating tensions.

In the letter, Pezeshkian described Iran as one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, asserting that the country has not pursued aggression or expansion in its modern history. He said Iran has instead acted in self-defence when confronted with external threats.

The Iranian president stressed that the Iranian people “harbour no enmity” toward Americans, drawing a distinction between governments and citizens. He argued that portraying Iran as a threat serves political and economic interests, including justifying military presence and sustaining defence industries.

Pezeshkian criticised the United States for maintaining a significant military presence around Iran and accused it of recent “aggressions,” while defending Iran’s military posture as a legitimate response aimed at safeguarding national security.

He also revisited historical grievances, including the 1953 coup and subsequent US policies, which he said contributed to deep-rooted mistrust among Iranians. Despite sanctions and conflicts, he highlighted Iran’s progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and technology.

The president warned of the humanitarian and economic impact of ongoing conflict, questioning whether current policies serve the interests of the American people. He also criticised attacks on infrastructure, calling them violations of international norms with long-term regional consequences.

In his message, Pezeshkian urged Americans to look beyond what he described as misinformation and to consider engagement over confrontation. He concluded by warning that continued escalation would be costly, while dialogue could shape a more stable future.