Letter from Iranian President Pezeshkian to the American people

01.04.2026 23:04

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published a striking letter to the American people under the shadow of rising tensions with the United States. Emphasizing that Iran has not historically pursued an aggressive policy, Pezeshkian directly addressed the peoples, calling for dialogue and mutual understanding. Pezeshkian stated, "Despite having historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never chosen the path of aggression, expansionism, colonialism, and domination."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the American people in an open letter he published. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran has not historically pursued an aggressive policy and stated that there is no enmity between the two peoples.

In his letter, the Iranian President noted that Iran has never adopted an expansionist or colonial approach in its modern history. Pezeshkian, who argued that Iran has often remained in a defensive position and reacted to being portrayed as a threat on the international stage, stated, "Despite having historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never chosen the path of aggression, expansionism, colonialism, or domination in its modern history. On the contrary, it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who attacked it."

Pezeshkian emphasized that the U.S. has concentrated its largest forces, bases, and military capabilities around Iran and that they have had to strengthen their defense capabilities due to American attacks launched from these bases, stating, "What Iran has done and continues to do is a measured response based on legitimate defense; it is never an attempt to initiate a war or attack."

“WE ARE NOT ENEMIES OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE” 

The Iranian President, in his message, separated the U.S. administration from the American people, emphasizing that Iran harbors no enmity towards ordinary Americans. Pezeshkian expressed the need to establish a direct connection between the peoples and called for mutual understanding.

“PERCEPTIONS MUST BE QUESTIONED”

In the letter, Pezeshkian argued that the perception of Iran as a threat is often misrepresented and stated that the information presented to the public should be questioned. He called on the American people to evaluate the narratives presented in the media with a critical perspective.

Here is the full text of the letter: 

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

To the people of the United States and to everyone who continues to seek the truth amidst distortions and fabricated narratives and strives for a better life:

Iran — with its name, character, and identity — is one of the oldest and most continuous civilizations in human history. Despite its historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never chosen the path of aggression, expansionism, colonialism, or domination in its modern history. Despite being subjected to occupations, attacks, and constant pressures from global powers — and having military superiority over most of its neighbors — Iran has never been the party to initiate a war. On the contrary, it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who attacked it.

The Iranian people harbor no enmity towards other nations, including the peoples of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Throughout their proud history, Iranians have always made a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they govern, even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures. This is not a temporary political stance but a principle deeply rooted in Iranian culture and collective consciousness.

"IF THERE IS NO THREAT, ONE WILL BE INVENTED"

Therefore, portraying Iran as a threat is inconsistent with historical facts or observable phenomena today. Such a perception is a product of the political and economic whims of the powerful; it is the need to invent an enemy to legitimize oppression, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets. In such an environment, if there is no threat, one will be invented.

In this same context, the United States has concentrated its largest forces, bases, and military capabilities around Iran, a country that has never initiated a war since its establishment. The recent American attacks launched from these bases have proven how threatening such a military presence is. Naturally, no country facing such conditions would abandon strengthening its defense capabilities. What Iran has done and continues to do is a measured response based on legitimate defense; it is never an attempt to initiate a war or attack.

The relations between Iran and the United States were not initially hostile, and the first interactions between the Iranian and American peoples were not tainted by enmity or a coup — the illegal intervention by America in 1953. The turning point was the intervention aimed at preventing Iran from nationalizing its own resources. That coup disrupted Iran's democratic process, restored dictatorship, and sowed deep seeds of distrust towards U.S. policies among Iranians. This distrust deepened with America's support for the Shah regime, its backing of Saddam Hussein during the imposed war in the 1980s, the implementation of the longest and most brutal sanctions in modern history, and ultimately, the two baseless military attacks against Iran in the midst of negotiations.

Yet, all these pressures have failed to weaken Iran. On the contrary, since the Islamic Revolution, the country has grown in many areas by 30% [translation note: there may be an error in the expression in the text, likely meaning 'stronger']: literacy rates have tripled compared to today; higher education has dramatically expanded; significant advancements have been made in modern technology, exceeding 90%; healthcare has improved; infrastructure has developed at an unprecedented speed and scale compared to the past. These are measurable and observable facts independent of fabricated narratives.

At the same time, the destructive and inhumane effects of sanctions, war, and aggression on the lives of the resilient Iranian people should not be underestimated. The continuation of military aggression and recent bombings deeply affect people's lives, attitudes, and perspectives. This reflects a fundamental human reality: when war inflicts irreparable damage on our lives, homes, cities, and future, people will not remain indifferent to those responsible.

"WHICH INTEREST OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DOES THIS WAR SERVE?" 

This situation raises a fundamental question: Which interest of the American people is exactly served by this war? Was there an objective threat from Iran that would justify such behavior? The slaughter of innocent children, the destruction of cancer-treating pharmaceutical facilities, or boasting about "returning a country to the Stone Age" serves no purpose other than further damaging the global reputation of the United States?

Iran has continued negotiations, reached an agreement, and fulfilled all its commitments. The decision to withdraw from this agreement, escalate towards conflict, and initiate two acts of aggression in the midst of negotiations were destructive decisions made by the U.S. government — choices that serve the delusions of a foreign aggressor.

Attacking Iran's vital infrastructure, including its energy and industrial facilities, directly targets the Iranian people.

Is it not also true that America has entered this aggression as a proxy for Israel, being influenced and manipulated by that regime? Is it not true that Israel is trying to divert global attention from the crimes it commits against the Palestinians by creating an artificial Iranian threat? Is it not clear that Israel now aims to fight Iran to the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar — shifting the burden of its own delusions onto Iran, the region, and the United States itself for illegitimate interests?

"CONFLICT IS MORE COSTLY AND FRUITLESS"

Is the principle of "America First" really among the priorities of the U.S. government today?

I invite you to look beyond the disinformation mechanism that is an inseparable part of this aggression and instead talk to those who have visited Iran. Observe the many successful Iranian immigrants who have studied in Iran, currently teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities, or contribute to the most advanced technology firms in the West. Do these facts align with the distortions you are told about Iran and its people?

Today, the world stands at a turning point. Continuing down the path of conflict is more costly and fruitless than ever. The choice between conflict and engagement (dialogue) is vital in both reality and its consequences; the outcome will shape the future of generations to come. Throughout its proud history spanning millennia, Iran has outlived many aggressors. The only thing left of them are their tarnished names in history; Iran, however, continues to exist resiliently, dignifiedly, and proudly.