TEHRAN — Speaking to state media following a night of heavy bombardment in the capital, President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested that the current war is being driven by a “Zionist capture” of American democracy. He argued that the American people are being forced to pay the price—both economically and morally—for a conflict that serves Israeli interests above their own.
“The American people are angry about ‘Israel First.’ They are tired of Israeli kings ruling over American democracy,” Pezeshkian said. “Their tax dollars are being turned into missiles that kill children in Tehran, while their own infrastructure crumbles and their energy prices soar.”
Targeting the “America First” Sentiment
Analysts suggest Pezeshkian’s choice of words is a calculated attempt to mirror the “America First” rhetoric of the Trump administration.
- Economic Pressure: By highlighting soaring global oil prices—driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—Pezeshkian is attempting to link the domestic hardships of Americans directly to the U.S. military support for Israel’s regional objectives.
- The “Kings” Metaphor: The reference to “Israeli kings” appears to be a jab at the perceived influence of the Israeli government and lobbying groups over the U.S. legislative process, a theme Pezeshkian has touched on in previous social media posts.
A “Global Disgust” Narrative
This latest statement builds on a theme Pezeshkian has pushed throughout late March. On March 24, he claimed that publics across the world—including in Pakistan, Turkey, and Lebanon—were “loudly expressing their disgust” for American and Israeli actions.
- The “Hearts of the Free”: “The hearts of the free people of the world are not with the Zionists,” he added, attempting to position Iran as a defender of national sovereignty against “imperialist” overreach.
Domestic Context: Defiance Amidst Destruction
Pezeshkian’s bold rhetoric comes at a time when his own administration is under extreme pressure:
- Blackouts: Large-scale power outages are currently affecting Tehran following U.S.-Israeli strikes on the distribution grid.
- University Strikes: The IRGC has threatened to target American universities in the region by 12:00 PM today in retaliation for the bombing of Iranian research centers.
- The “Islamabad Track”: Despite his defiant tone, Pezeshkian’s government is simultaneously engaging with Pakistan to explore a potential diplomatic “off-ramp,” though he remains publicly skeptical of any direct talks with Washington.
| Recent Key Statements by Pezeshkian (March 2026) | Theme |
| “Never Surrender” | Iran will take the wish for its surrender “to the grave.” |
| “Global Order Shaken” | Failure to hold the U.S. accountable will lead to global chaos. |
| “Regional Unity” | Security must be achieved by regional states, not “foreign kings.” |
| “American Anger” | U.S. citizens are victims of their own government’s “Israel First” policy. |
