In the letter posted on social media platform X on 1/4, Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that portraying Iran as a threat is "inconsistent with historical realities and observable current truths."

"Such a portrayal is a product of the political and economic calculations of ruling powers. They seek to fabricate an enemy to justify exerting pressure, maintaining military dominance, nurturing the arms industry, and controlling strategic markets. In such an environment, if a threat does not exist, one will be conjured," Pezeshkian wrote.

He stated that "the people of Iran do not harbor hatred towards the people of other nations, including Americans, Europeans, or neighboring countries," but will always "resolutely and bravely repel anyone who attacks them."

Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran on 19/2. Photo: Reuters

President Pezeshkian urged the American people to see through the "disinformation" about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, simultaneously questioning whose interests the war waged by the US and Israel against Iran truly serves.

"Is 'America first' truly the priority of the current US government?" he wrote, accusing Washington of engaging in conflict as a "proxy" for Israel. He accused Israel of attempting to divert international attention from crimes against Palestinians by "fabricating a threat from Iran."

"I invite you to look beyond the disinformation machine, an integral part of this aggression, and instead converse with those who have visited Iran. Observe the many successful Iranian immigrants, educated in Iran, who now teach and research at the world's most prestigious universities, or contribute to the most advanced technology corporations in the West. Does that reality align with the false information you are hearing about Iran and our people?" the article stated.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei today stated that Iran has received messages from the US through intermediaries, but no direct negotiations are ongoing.

He accused the US of making "excessive and unreasonable" demands, and declared that Iran is prepared for any attack, including a ground invasion.

These messages from Iran were issued before US president Donald Trump's prime-time speech, providing a "critical update" on the Iran conflict at 9 PM on 1/4 (8 AM on 2/4 Hanoi time).

In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump stated that the US would consider a ceasefire "when the Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we will blow Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Age!!!"

However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to declare that it will keep the Hormuz Strait closed, which is where Gulf oil and gas exit to the global market.

The conflict, which began on 28/2, has resulted in over 3,000 deaths, primarily in Iran and Lebanon.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP, TIME, Reuters)