Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized the U.S. war against Iran in an open letter to the American people on Wednesday, calling it a ridiculous operation that would be costly for Iran.
“Today, the world stands at a crossroads. It is more costly and futile than ever to continue on the path of confrontation,” the president wrote in his message.
Iran has seen many invaders in its history: “What they left behind has been tainted in history, and Iran endured it with tenacity, dignity and pride,” Pezeshkian wrote.
The choice between war and peace, he wrote, would shape the future for entire generations.
By Iranian standards, an open letter to the American people is quite unusual. Therefore, observers believe that Iran’s move is to convince the American public that its government’s decision is wrong, thereby indirectly forcing the United States to cease fire.
The war waged by Israel and the United States is now entering its fifth week.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had asked for a ceasefire. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman immediately denied the claim. Esmail Baghaei, quoted by state broadcaster IRIB, said Trump’s remarks were false and baseless.
Trump blamed Iran’s “new regime president” for the ceasefire request. It’s unclear who exactly he was talking about.
Trump will address the nation Wednesday night. He issued an ultimatum to Iran, which is due to expire on the evening of April 6. The country will then reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping, which is crucial for oil shipments.
Since the start of war between Israel and the United States on February 28, shipping in the strait has almost come to a standstill.