Iran president says time to end war while in position of strength

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Friday that it was time to end the ongoing Middle East war with the United States, as Tehran now appears to be in a stronger position. The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel in February, has been deadlocked, with both sides locked in a stalemate. Tehran has kept the key Strait of Hormuz partially closed, while Washington maintains a naval blockade of Iran.

Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of ending the war, stating, "It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity." He defended the June memorandum of understanding with the US, claiming it did not signify defeat for Iran, as all commitments pertain to the other side. His remarks follow Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, approving the deal despite his differing views.

Hardline lawmakers in Iran's parliament have criticized the government for ceding concessions to the US, primarily regarding the reopening of the strategic Hormuz Strait. Meanwhile, the US has vowed to intensify sanctions against Tehran, accusing the country of "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity." The American plan has been met with international condemnation, including from China, which denounced the US's economic pressure as ineffective in resolving the Middle East conflict.