Tehran: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that it may be an opportune time to end the ongoing conflict with the United States, as reported by state media.
According to Deutsche Welle, Pezeshkian's remarks were made during a medical conference and come amid conflicting signals from both Tehran officials and US President Donald Trump regarding the war. The partial truce, agreed upon in June, expired on Monday without any significant progress or renewal, leaving the situation uncertain.
The war has led Tehran to severely restrict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States attempts to enforce what it refers to as a blockade of Iran's ports. President Trump recently threatened to intensify economic pressure on Iran, although the extent to which the US can further sanction one of the world's most heavily penalized countries is unclear.
As Pezeshkian hinted at the possibility of peace negotiations, an Iranian military leader warned of "crushing, punishing and devastating responses" should the US attempt to further isolate Iran economically. Pezeshkian emphasized the need to end the war, stating, "It is better to end it today, as we are in a position of strength and dignity."
Pezeshkian also highlighted that the 15-point Memorandum of Understanding signed by Iran and the US in June does not signify a defeat for Iran. He argued, "They cannot find even a single clause in this commitment that indicates capitulation." While most obligations fall on the US, some commitments require Iran to allow commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz temporarily and reaffirm not to develop nuclear weapons.
In response to the US's economic threats, Pezeshkian assured that Iran would not succumb to intimidation and would resist if necessary. Meanwhile, US President Trump has threatened a "most crushing economic operation" against Iran, aiming to prevent Iran's trading partners from supporting the country.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that the economic pressure would make large-scale military operations unnecessary, although specifics on how the US plans to further sanction Iran remain unclear. The potential involvement of China, Iran's key trading partner, in these sanctions was not addressed.
Within Tehran, there are mixed signals, with political representatives like Pezeshkian and lead negotiator Mohammad Qalibaf adopting a more diplomatic stance compared to military leaders. Major General Ali Abdollahi warned of a decisive military response to US threats, while Qalibaf called for intensified negotiations to overcome the sanctions, suggesting that Washington realizes it cannot win a direct military confrontation.