The president of Iran has declared his country is at “total war” with the US, Israel and Europe in the latest ratcheting up of tensions. Speaking to Iranian state media, Masoud Pezeshkian claimed the Western powers want to bring Iran “to its knees”.

He also used the interview to talk up Iran’s military might, claiming it is stronger today than it was in June when Israel launched its first strikes as part of the 12-day war.

Mr Pezeshkian said: "In my opinion, we are at total war with the United States, Israel and Europe. They want to bring our country to its knees."

He went on to compare the current situation to Iran’s conflict with Iraq in the 1980s.

“During the war with Iraq, the situation was clear: they fired missiles, and we knew exactly where we were responding. But now, we are being surrounded from every angle,” the Iranian president said.

The US joined Israel in strikes on Iran in June, targeting nuclear facilities in the country.

Both Israel and America said they took action because Iran was close to producing a nuclear weapon; a claim Tehran has strongly denied.

Around 1,100 were killed in Iran during the fighting, including nuclear scientists and senior military leaders.

However, Mr Pezeshkian looked to talk down the impact of the war on Iran.

He claimed the fighting had strengthened internal unity rather than weakening it and Iran’s military was now better equipped, reports The Times of Israel.

Mr Pezeshkian said: “Our beloved military forces are doing their jobs with strength and now, in terms of equipment and manpower, despite all the problems we have, they are stronger than when they [Israel] attacked. So if they want to attack, they will naturally face a more decisive response.”

The interview was released days before a planned meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Florida on Monday.