Kathmandu— Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, stated that the country is currently engaged in a “full-scale economic, military and security war,” according to comments made Saturday amid ongoing tensions with the United States and international partners. Security chief Mohsen Rezaei added that any nation aligning with U.S. sanctions would be viewed as an adversary, facing potential targeting of their interests by Tehran. Pezeshkian refuted predictions of Iran following Venezuela’s economic trajectory, asserting a different outcome for his country.

Escalating Rhetoric and Regional Warnings

Mohsen Rezaei, a key security official in Iran, issued a stark warning to neighboring countries, stating that any state choosing to participate in U.S. sanctions against Iran would be considered an enemy of the Islamic Republic. He further indicated that Tehran would respond by targeting the interests of such nations as retaliation for joining what it views as hostile economic measures.

Pezeshkian’s declaration of a “full-scale war” underscores the severity with which Iran perceives its current situation, encompassing economic pressures, military posturing, and broader security concerns.

Rejection of Economic Parallels

President Pezeshkian directly addressed comparisons between Iran's economic challenges and those experienced by Venezuela. He asserted that predictions of a similar fate for Iran were inaccurate, suggesting the country is navigating its economic difficulties differently than Venezuela did. The president’s comments appear to be an effort to project confidence in Iran’s resilience despite ongoing sanctions and international pressure.

The statements from both Pezeshkian and Rezaei signal continued defiance of U.S. policies and a firm stance against regional actors perceived as supporting those policies.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.