Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the country is now engaged in a 'total war' against the United States, following a series of U.S. airstrikes that have targeted various locations across Iran. This announcement was made on July 20, 2023, and signifies a major shift in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

The U.S. airstrikes, which began earlier this month, have focused on military bases and air defense systems throughout Iran, particularly in the northern and central regions. The escalation comes after a temporary ceasefire agreement was reached in mid-June, which had brought about three weeks of relative calm in the Gulf region.

President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of addressing economic pressures that could lead to social unrest. He stated, 'If economic pressure leads to dissatisfaction within society, the strong social foundation that the people have built to support the state could be undermined.'

In response to the U.S. actions, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has continued its military operations across the region, claiming to have struck targets in Bahrain, Jordan, and Syria. Bahrain reported that Iran targeted its aviation navigation systems amidst the ongoing conflict.

Despite the hostilities, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei indicated that diplomatic exchanges with the U.S. are still ongoing through intermediaries. He mentioned that Iran has received several proposals through these channels.

Furthermore, Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni is expected to travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, which is serving as a negotiating intermediary, although the purpose of his visit remains unclear.

The tensions have escalated primarily due to Iran's attacks on vessels in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key route for energy exports from the Gulf, which Tehran is seeking to control. In retaliation, the U.S. has reinstated a maritime blockade on Iranian ports and conducted airstrikes in response to these provocations.