The IRGC’s 25‑page open letter to Americans declares Iran victorious in its confrontation with the U.S., accuses President Trump of enriching himself and misusing power, and urges U.S. citizens to oppose their government and cut ties with Israel. The document blends battlefield claims — including missile and drone strikes — with religious and ideological appeals, and cites disputed casualty figures from recent unrest. Analysts say the letter aims to shape public opinion ahead of U.S. elections, though its practical effect is uncertain.
Five Takeaways From the IRGC’s 25‑Page Letter to Americans — What It Means for the War and Trump
IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi speaks during a news conference in Tehran, Iran, on Tuesday.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) published a 25‑page open letter addressed to the American people that declares Iran victorious in its confrontation with the United States, levels broad accusations at President Donald Trump, and warns of harsher consequences if his administration remains in power. Released during a politically sensitive moment for Washington, the letter bypasses normal diplomatic channels and appears designed to influence U.S. public opinion ahead of national elections.
Five Key Takeaways
1. The IRGC Presents Iran As Triumphant
The letter argues that U.S. and Israeli objectives — which it lists as including regime change, territorial seizure and crippling Iran’s military and energy infrastructure — have not been achieved. The IRGC calls the U.S. military "the largest and costliest in the history of the world" and contends it has "scored no wins," citing Iranian missile and drone strikes on U.S. bases and equipment across the region as evidence of Iranian success.
2. The Message Is Both Military And Ideological
Beyond battlefield claims, the IRGC frames Iran’s advantage in religious and ideological terms: the letter emphasizes the Quranic worldview, the leadership of a "man of God," and national unity as decisive factors. It also invokes the wilayat al‑faqih system and portrays the reported martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader as proof of regime resilience — a narrative the letter uses to bolster morale and legitimacy.
Women affiliated with Iran's IRGC carry rifles as they march beneath a banner depicting U.S. President Donald Trump in crosshairs at a parade in Tehran, Iran, on September 18.
3. Direct Political Appeal To Americans
For an elite foreign military body, the letter’s direct appeal to U.S. citizens is unusual. It echoes grievances voiced by American critics of the administration and explicitly urges Americans to "rise up" and press their government to cut ties with Israel. The IRGC warns that failing to remove what it calls "evil, deceitful, and violent politicians" could spark widespread popular anger that would threaten U.S. interests and the economy.
4. Sharp Personal Attacks On Donald Trump
The letter singles out President Trump, accusing him of self‑enrichment, cronyism and using foreign policy for personal gain. It repeats allegations about his business practices and claims he has placed family members and business associates in foreign‑policy roles outside normal channels. These criticisms mirror some domestic critiques of Trump but are presented by Tehran as further justification for U.S. public opposition.
5. Disputed Figures And Accusations Against the U.S. And Israel
The IRGC rebukes U.S. accusations that Iran sponsors terrorism by reversing the charge and cataloguing historical and contemporary grievances — from the 1953 CIA‑backed coup to controversial assertions about U.S. actions in the region. The letter also attributes a range of covert and overt actions to Israel and cites casualty figures from domestic unrest that differ sharply from other sources: the IRGC referenced "more than 2,300" deaths in specific clashes, while foreign watchdogs have reported figures exceeding 30,000 for related unrest and President Trump has publicly cited numbers in the 60,000–65,000 range. The letter also notes that the U.S. designated the IRGC a terrorist organization in 2019.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gather outside the United Nations on the day that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses the General Assembly at the U.N. on September 24 in New York City.
Context and Reaction
IRGC spokesman Brig. Gen. Hossein Mohebbi described the communication as a "benevolent and compassionate letter to the American people" and said the goal was to explain Iran’s position rather than seek short‑term publicity. News organizations have sought comment from U.S. officials; the U.S. State Department was approached for reaction.
Analysts are divided on the letter’s likely impact. Alan Eyre, a former State Department official, told Newsweek he doubted it would change the views of President Trump or his inner circle and questioned how many Americans would read a 25‑page statement. Still, he said some passages could resonate with U.S. audiences frustrated by perceived oligarchic influence and the domestic costs of prolonged conflicts. Eyre also suggested Iran may be attempting to sharpen leverage and press for negotiations before U.S. elections.
Bottom Line
The letter represents an unprecedented attempt by the IRGC to shape the international narrative by speaking directly to U.S. citizens. Whether it alters public opinion or policy is uncertain, but it makes clear Tehran’s intent to undermine confidence in U.S. leadership and to frame the conflict in moral, political and religious terms.
Contact: News organizations sought comment from the U.S. State Department. Reporting and analysis cited in this summary come from the IRGC letter and public statements, as well as commentary by regional experts and former diplomats.
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