In a televised address marking two years since his inauguration, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the nation’s enemies had planned to “take over Iran like Syria in just 48 hours” but were ultimately defeated by the resilience of the Iranian people .
A Failed “Syrian Scenario”
Speaking on national television, Pezeshkian asserted that the United States and Israel had developed plans to replicate the swift fall of Syria’s government in Iran. The campaign, which began on February 28 and lasted until a unilateral ceasefire was announced on April 7, involved at least 100 waves of Iranian retaliation against US and Israeli targets, according to the president .
“The enemy’s plan was to overthrow Iran in 48 hours like Syria,” Pezeshkian stated, adding that the adversaries had “started the twelve-day war” and thought they could seize control through a rapid military campaign . The president referenced events from December 18-19, 2025, as evidence of the plans developed against the country .
The Pillar of National Unity
Pezeshkian credited Iran’s survival to public solidarity, arguing that the people’s steadfastness prevented the country’s collapse despite economic pressure, tightened banking sanctions, and the assassination of military commanders and scientists . He said that Iran had withstood the “Ramadan war” and the deaths of “great and dear people” because of national resilience .
“If the country has remained standing until now, we owe it to the people,” the president said. “If we stand with the people, no power will be able to bring us down” .
Pezeshkian warned that Iran’s adversaries seek to undermine “anything that symbolizes our capabilities, resilience, initiative, and creativity” . He claimed the enemy is exerting pressure to provoke public protests and create internal division .
Acknowledging Leadership and Challenges
During his address, Pezeshkian acknowledged that communication with Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, is currently “very difficult,” while still describing the leader as an “exceptional figure” . He contrasted the character of the new leader with what he had personally witnessed, rejecting claims about the Islamic Revolution leader’s treatment of the government .
The Iranian president’s remarks come amid ongoing negotiations over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iran has proposed charging a 7% transit fee on ships passing through the waterway, while exempting vessels from China and Russia . The proposals are part of broader diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington following months of heightened regional tensions .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did Iranian President Pezeshkian claim about US and Israeli plans?
He claimed that the US and Israel planned to “take over Iran like Syria in just 48 hours” during the recent conflict, but the plan failed due to Iranian national unity and resilience .
Q2: When did the 48-hour claim originate?
The comments were made in an address to the Iranian nation on August 5-6, 2026, marking two years since Pezeshkian’s inauguration .
Q3: What was the nature of the conflict Pezeshkian referred to?
He referred to a 40-day war that began on February 28, 2026, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks .
Q4: What did Pezeshkian say about Iran’s survival?
Pezeshkian credited the Iranian people’s unity and resilience for preventing the country’s collapse, stating that national solidarity played a decisive role during the crisis .