TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the months-long war with the United States, saying Tehran is in a position of “power and dignity” even as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said during a meeting with doctors on Friday.
He claimed the world had recognised what he described as Iran’s victory and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules.
The remarks came after a 60-day period linked to a June memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington expired without a breakthrough. Both sides have accused the other of violating the agreement.
Pezeshkian defends US deal as military warns of retaliation
Pezeshkian also defended the June agreement against criticism from Iranian hardliners who had accused his administration of making concessions to Washington.
“They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation. All the commitments concern the other side,” he said.
Iran’s military leadership, however, has continued to signal readiness for further conflict.
Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, said Iranian forces were prepared to respond to new threats.
“With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defence and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses,” Abdollahi said.
IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi said Iran had created a “solid defensive shield” against threats and described the continuation of its strategy of defensive and offensive empowerment as the most effective response.
At the same time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf acknowledged the growing economic pressure on the country, warning that military strength alone would not be enough if people faced hunger and the economy continued to deteriorate. Iran is facing severe economic pressures as the conflict and sanctions disrupt oil exports, trade and domestic production.
Oman, Iran discuss resuming talks as Hormuz remains flashpoint
Oman’s and Iran’s foreign ministers discussed efforts to create conditions for renewed dialogue during a phone call on Friday. They also discussed the security of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway remains at the centre of the confrontation. Iran has kept the strait partially closed while the US maintains a naval counter-blockade, severely disrupting commercial shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies before the war. Shipping through the waterway has since fallen sharply amid the confrontation.
Iranian officials have previously said Tehran would not fully reopen the strait until Washington meets demands linked to the June memorandum, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets and easing oil sanctions.
Trump says Iran is not ready for ‘right deal’
US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington was closely watching developments and suggested Iran was not yet ready to accept what he described as an appropriate agreement.
Asked whether US military options against Iran were limited, Trump said: “It just means that we’re seeing what happens.”
He added that the US had “total control” of the region around the Strait of Hormuz and said Iran would like to reach a deal but was “not ready to make the right deal”.
The comments came as Washington prepared to announce new sanctions against Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described the planned measures as an unprecedented campaign of economic pressure aimed at isolating Iran.
China has rejected the US approach, saying sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict and calling instead for political and diplomatic efforts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also dismissed the planned sanctions as another failed attempt at economic pressure.
Iran’s foreign ministry has separately described the proposed measures as “economic terrorism” and criticised possible secondary sanctions as an attempt to impose US authority on independent countries.
With diplomacy stalled, economic pressure mounting and the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major flashpoint, Pezeshkian’s call to end the war reflects Tehran’s effort to push for negotiations while maintaining that Iran is entering them from a position of strength.
