Iranian president says its time to end war while in position of strength

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Friday that it was time to conclude the lengthy Middle East conflict with the United States, as Tehran appeared to be in a stronger position than Washington. The ongoing war, initiated by the US and Israel in February, has reached a stalemate with neither side making significant progress. Tehran has kept the vital Strait of Hormuz partially blocked, while Washington maintains a naval counter-blockade of Iran.

Pezeshkian asserted that bringing the war to an end now was crucial, as Iran is in a position of power and dignity. The international community, he noted, recognizes Iran's victory and condemns America for attacking its schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, which has led to widespread hatred of the US across the globe. Pezeshkian also defended a memorandum of understanding signed with the US in June, claiming it did not signify a defeat for Tehran, as all commitments pertain to the other party.

The remarks came weeks after Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, endorsed the deal to end the war, despite having differing opinions. Hardline lawmakers in Iran's parliament have criticized the government for the agreement, accusing it of making concessions to the US, particularly regarding the reopening of the strategic Hormuz Strait.

In response to Iran's stronger position, the US has vowed to intensify sanctions to put pressure on Tehran, a plan that has been met with condemnation from Iran's foreign ministry, which accused the US of economic terrorism and crimes against humanity. The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, vowed that Washington would collapse the Iranian regime through its economic campaign.

China also criticized the American economic plan, stating that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the Middle East conflict and urged all parties to take responsible measures to resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means.