Iran’s president calls for war to end ‘today’ from position of strength

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that it was time to end the ongoing Middle East war with the United States, as Iran appeared to be in a stronger position compared to Washington. The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel in February, remains stalemate, with Teheran maintaining partial closure of the key Strait of Hormuz and Washington enforcing a naval counter-blockade.

Pezeshkian made these remarks during a meeting with doctors, emphasizing Iran's victory and the unjust actions of the US against Iranian institutions. Pezeshkian also defended a memorandum of understanding signed with the US in June, asserting that it did not represent a defeat for Iran, as all commitments pertain to the other side.

The Iranian Supreme Leader, Mohammad Kazem Shariatmadari, had previously approved the deal despite having differing opinions. Hardline lawmakers in Iran's parliament have criticized the government for conceding to the US, particularly regarding the reopening of the strategic Hormuz Strait. US sanctions have been heavily criticized by Iran, with the country's foreign ministry accusing the US of economic terrorism and crimes against humanity.

US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, vowed to "collapse" the Iranian regime with the economic sanctions, indicating that the Trump administration is transitioning from military to economic pressure on Iran. China also condemned Washington's economic plan, asserting that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict and calling for responsible measures and diplomatic solutions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on September 24, with discussions on Iran expected to be a topic of conversation. US Treasury chief Bessent assured that the economic measures would be detailed in a press conference the following Monday, while other senior Iranian officials criticized the US sanctions plan, arguing that it is a diversion from America's own financial crisis.