'No enmity towards American people': Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian in open letter to US citizens amid war

On Wednesday (April 1), Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an open letter to the American public, saying that the “path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before” while signaling openness to diplomatic engagement. The letter was released just hours before Donald Trump was scheduled to deliver an “important update” on the Iran war. Earlier, Trump had claimed on social media that Iran had sought a ceasefire. Although Pezeshkian did not outline concrete steps to de-escalate tensions, the tone of his message was notably conciliatory.

“Today, the world stands at crossroads,” Mr. Pezeshkian said in the letter, adding, “The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come.” It remains uncertain whether the letter reflects a unified stance within Iran’s leadership. Earlier in the day, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed Trump’s cease-fire claim as “false and baseless.”

The roughly 1,000-word letter, published in both English and Persian, also struck a defiant tone at points, referencing Iran’s long history of resilience. Pezeshkian asserted: “Iran has never initiated a war. Yet it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who have attacked it.” Within Iran’s political structure, the president operates under the authority of the supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed power earlier this year and holds final decision-making authority on key issues such as war and negotiations.

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Since the conflict began, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has expanded its influence, with senior commanders playing a major role. Among them is Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a former commander now serving as parliament speaker and involved in wartime decision-making. Trump has indicated that the United States is in contact with more moderate factions in Iran, though no details have been disclosed.

It is unclear whether Pezeshkian coordinated the letter with Khamenei or the Guards. Iran has also yet to formally respond to a 15-point peace proposal from Washington, delivered via Pakistan. Trump suggested that JD Vance could meet Iranian officials if talks progress. In a separate development, Pezeshkian spoke with António Costa and indicated Iran’s willingness to end the conflict under certain conditions, including guarantees of a permanent ceasefire, according to Iranian state media.

However, his remarks have drawn criticism from hard-liners. Elias Hazrati said efforts to undermine the president were “merely playing into the hands of aggressors.” The letter also reiterated Iran’s longstanding grievances with the United States, while distinguishing between governments and citizens. “The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries,” he wrote. “Even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures throughout their proud history, Iranians have consistently drawn a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they government.”

Pezeshkian defended Iran’s retaliatory actions against Israel and Gulf nations as acts of self-defense but did not address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted the global economy. “What Iran has done, and continues to do, is a measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense, and by no means an initiation of war or aggression,” said Mr. Pezeshkian.

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