Tehran, April 2 (NationPress) President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran has declared that the Iranian populace holds no animosity towards the American citizens, while accusing the US government of acting as a "proxy for Israel" in its conflict with Iran.

His statements were made in an open letter directed at the American populace, where he detailed Iran's stance regarding its ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.

"The Iranian citizens bear no hostility towards other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries," Pezeshkian affirmed, adding, "Despite enduring numerous foreign interventions and pressures throughout their illustrious history, Iranians have always maintained a clear division between the governments and the individuals they govern."

Pezeshkian asserted that Iran "has never adopted a path of aggression, expansion, colonialism, or domination" in its modern history, even after experiencing occupation and pressure from global powers.

He indicated that portraying Iran as a threat is a narrative constructed by Israel to shift global focus away from its actions against Palestinians.

Pezeshkian highlighted the US military presence and bases surrounding Iran, stressing that the ongoing US "aggressions" emanating from these bases demonstrate the genuine threat posed by such a military presence.

In reaction to US President Donald Trump's threats of large-scale strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, he stated that targeting the nation's essential facilities directly affects the Iranian people, emphasizing that such actions are considered "war crimes" with implications that extend beyond Iran's borders.

Pezeshkian noted that the United States has entered into conflict with Iran as a "proxy for Israel" and under its influence, warning that Israel aims to combat Iran "at the expense of the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar" to serve its "illegitimate interests."

"Is 'America First' genuinely a priority for the US government at this time?" he questioned.

He further mentioned that the world is currently "at a crossroads," faced with the choice between confrontation and collaboration.

On February 28, Israel and the United States executed joint assaults on Tehran and various Iranian cities, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military figures and civilians. In retaliation, Iran initiated a series of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and US installations in the Middle East.