Iran declares 'total war' on US, Israel, and Europe amid push to expand nuclear program

TEHRAN, IRAN: The president of Iran has has said that the Islamic Republic has declared a total war against the United States, Israel, and Europe, signaling a sharp escalation in rhetoric amid deepening tensions with the West. The warning comes as Tehran faces mounting international pressure and scrutiny over its nuclear ambitions.

'Total war' warning from Iran

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian made the statement on Saturday in an interview published in the state media.

“In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel, and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees,” Pezeshkian said.

“This war is worse than the one launched against us by Iraq. On closer inspection, it is far more complex and difficult,” he said, in reference to the 1980-88 war with their neighboring country.

The claims come as Iran faces UN sanctions, pushed by France, Britain, and Germany, over its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons.

This comes following the 12-day conflict with Israel in June, during which much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was destroyed with support from US airstrikes.

Tehran-backed Hamas leadership shift

As tensions between the Middle Eastern rivals escalate, a candidate backed by Tehran is also expected to win a key election for a senior leadership role within Hamas.

Saudi Arabian outlet Asharq reported that Khalil al-Hayya, a Palestinian politician, is expected to beat out Hamas chief Khaled Mashaal in an election for head of the group's political bureau, which could be decided in the coming days.

According to sources, al-Hayya is considered to be close to Iran, and he would have a clearly adversarial stance toward Israel as the fragile Gaza peace deal hangs in the balance.

Sources told the outlet that the election is held among Hamas’ general Shura council, which is composed of 50 members. It was initially scheduled for earlier this year, but the group 'ruled out' holding the vote until the war completely ends.

Benjamin Netanyahu to meet Trump amid tensions

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to travel to Mar-a-Lago on Monday, December 29, where he is expected to discuss plans to launch new strikes against Tehran with President Donald Trump.

According to a report by NBC, Israeli sources claim that the Islamic Republic is repairing its air defense systems and rebuilding its ballistic missile program, both of which were destroyed by airstrikes during the war.

According to Axios, the Florida meeting is also seen as a key to the Gaza peace deal, with top White House aides reportedly believing that Netanyahu is undermining the peace framework. 

“It’s felt for some time like the Israelis have buyer’s remorse,” an anonymous White House official told the outlet. “Implementing the Gaza deal is hard enough, but the Israelis sometimes do things that make it even harder.”