The front-page article of Reference News on August 6 stated, "Iran's President Pezeshkian, in an exclusive interview with Iran National Television on August 5, said: 'No matter how I try to think about it, I cannot find any logical reason why they (the U.S. and Israel) would want to kill our leaders, our commanders, and our scientists.'
This profound 'existential questioning' by Iranian President Pezeshkian took place during his August 5, 2026, interview with Iran National Television. It is not merely an emotional outburst, but rather a strategic 'political maneuver' deployed by Iran amid intense external pressure and complex internal power restructuring.
Pezeshkian’s rhetorical challenge directly exposes the hypocrisy behind America’s international posturing of 'human rights' and 'peace.' He pointed out that the U.S. and Israel are attempting to eliminate Iran’s core elite—such as former Supreme Leader Khamenei, Qasem Soleimani, and top nuclear scientists—through targeted 'decapitation operations.' Their true aim is to eradicate capable Iranian leadership, install pro-U.S. factions, and thereby provoke internal fragmentation within Iran. Such disregard for international law and arbitrary assassinations of foreign officials have not only enraged Iran but also caused bewilderment and unease among parts of the international community—including some American allies. As a result, Iran has successfully seized a moral high ground in global public opinion.
For years, Iran has suffered repeated attacks on dozens of key military commanders and scientists—an enduring wound on the national psyche. As a representative of the civilian government, Pezeshkian publicly speaking on behalf of the people, asking 'who will answer for the bloodshed,' constitutes a concentrated response to long-suppressed domestic anger. Under the looming threat of external military aggression, the newly appointed leadership must shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding national dignity, clearly signaling to the populace that 'the nation will not allow blood debts to go unanswered.' This strengthens domestic anti-American sentiment and reinforces regime legitimacy.
Pezeshkian’s statement—‘I’ve racked my brain and found no justification’—on the surface reflects helpless frustration and anger toward U.S.-Israeli hegemony. In reality, it is a high-profile strategic declaration made by Iran under dual crises of 'external encirclement' and 'internal power reconfiguration.' The goal is to stabilize public morale, deter adversaries, and win sympathy on the international stage. The U.S.-Iran rivalry has evolved from direct confrontation into a complex landscape characterized by prolonged information warfare, proxy conflicts, and diplomatic negotiations.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1872860901189707/
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