Ahead of President Donald Trump's scheduled address on Iran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published a letter to the American people, defending Iran's actions as legitimate self-defense and criticizing U.S. foreign policy.
Pezeshkian's Letter to Americans
- Published by Iranian state media on February 19, 2025.
- Stated that "the Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America."
- Framed the conflict as a response to U.S. aggression.
U.S. Accusations and Warnings
- Alleged decades of U.S. intervention against Iran.
- Accused the U.S. of acting as a "proxy for Israel."
- Claimed the war damages America's "global standing."
- Urged Americans to question their government's claims about Iran.
Context and Timing
- Letter released during a press conference with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Tehran.
- Precedes Trump's expected speech on Iran later tonight.
- Highlights escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S.
— Kevin Breuninger