Pezeshkian emphasized that the narrative portraying Iran as a threat to global security does not align with "historical reality."
"Iran, by its name, character, and identity, is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in human history. In its modern history, Iran has never chosen the path of aggression, expansion, colonialism, or domination. Iran has never initiated a war. Yet, it has decisively and courageously repelled those who attacked it," wrote Pezeshkian in a letter broadcast by Iran's state television Press TV.
He added that portraying Iran as a threat is solely a product of "the political and economic whims of powerful actors" who need to create an enemy to justify pressures, maintain military dominance, support the arms industry, and control strategic markets.
Roots of Distrust
Reflecting on the history of relations, the Iranian president noted that Iran-U.S. relations were not initially marred by tensions, and early interactions between the two peoples were not marked by hostility.
However, he identified the 1953 coup as a "turning point," describing it as an "illegal American intervention aimed at preventing the nationalization of Iranian resources."
According to him, distrust deepened further with U.S. support for the rule of Reza Shah Pahlavi, support for Saddam Hussein, the imposition of devastating sanctions, and "unprovoked military aggression on two occasions, amid negotiations, against Iran."
He emphasized that the continuation of military aggression and recent bombings deeply affect the lives and attitudes of ordinary people.
Sharp Criticism Over Israel
In the context of the current U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, Pezeshkian questioned in whose interest the U.S. military is acting, calling its actions detrimental to both peoples.
"Is there any objective threat from Iran that would justify such behavior? Does the massacre of innocent children, the destruction of pharmaceutical plants for cancer treatment, or boasting about bombing a country 'back to the Stone Age' serve any purpose other than further damaging the global reputation of the United States?" he asked.
He particularly addressed Israel's role in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East.
"Is it not obvious that America entered this aggression as a proxy for Israel, under the influence and manipulation of that regime? Is it not clear that Israel now wants to fight Iran to the last American soldier and the last dollar of American taxpayers, shifting the burden of its miscalculations onto Iran, the region, and the United States itself for illegitimate interests?" stated the open letter.
Message to the American People
Despite decades of state hostility, Pezeshkian underscored that Iranians do not harbor enmity toward the American people.
"The people of Iran have no enmity toward other nations, including the citizens of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Even when faced with foreign interventions, Iranians, in their proud history, have always made a clear distinction between governments and the people they govern. This is a deeply rooted principle in our culture," conveyed the Iranian president.
He concluded his letter by calling on Americans to reconsider their government's priorities with the question: "Is 'America First' truly among the priorities of today's U.S. government?"
He also urged them to judge his country based on the experiences of those who have visited Iran, as well as the achievements of highly educated Iranian immigrants who now teach at the most prestigious universities in the West, rather than on the "disinformation machinery."
"The world is at a crossroads. Continuing the path of hostility toward Iran is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement will shape the future for generations to come," concluded Pezeshkian.