Iran challenges US forces to face its military directly

• Iran’s president vows the country will not surrender to US.
• Pezeshkian accuses Washington of targeting civilian infrastructure and essential services.
• He condemns restrictions on civilians’ access to water, food, and medicines.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian claimed on Saturday that Iran will not surrender to the United States, accusing Washington of targeting civilian infrastructure and essential supplies to force the country into submission.

In a direct statement published on his official X account, Pezeshkian condemned US tactics amid ongoing regional hostilities, challenging American forces to face Iran's military directly rather than inflicting harm on civilian populations.

"If Americans are warriors, let them face our valiant military forces. Why wage war on civilian infrastructure, food supplies, and livelihoods?" Pezeshkian wrote. "If they're human, why deny people access to water, food, and medicine? Our people can't be bullied into submission. Iran won't surrender."

If Americans are warriors, let them face our valiant military forces. Why wage war on civilian infrastructure, food supplies, and livelihoods? If they're human, why deny people access to water, food, and medicine? Our people can't be bullied into submission. Iran won't surrender.

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) September 12, 2026

"Why wage war on civilian infrastructure?"

Pezeshkian’s comments come amid escalating military exchanges and severe economic pressure impacting the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian president highlighted the humanitarian toll of the conflict, pointing to restrictions and strikes affecting food, water, and medical supply networks as evidence of systemic pressure intended to erode public morale.

Pezeshkian reiterated that efforts to force concessions through economic and infrastructural strain would prove futile, emphasizing national resilience in the face of external pressure.