Pezeshkian defends US memorandum as path beyond war, economic crisis

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended Tehran's memorandum of understanding with the United States, asserting it represents the most feasible way to escape the nation's prolonged period of "neither war nor peace" and its worsening economic conditions. In remarks published by Iran's state-run IRNA, Pezeshkian stated that the Supreme National Security Council deemed the memorandum the optimal agreement attainable while preserving Iran's honor, national interests, and strategic priorities.

"There is no single clause in this accord that signifies surrender," Pezeshkian noted, emphasizing that Iran's policies remain directed by the Supreme Leader. Signed by US President Donald Trump in June, the memorandum outlined a 60-day period for ending the conflict with Iran and reaching an agreement on its nuclear program. However, the deadline has since passed, and talks remain stalled.

A primary obstacle remains the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping lane whose ongoing obstruction has exacerbated pressure on international energy markets. Pezeshkian maintained that Tehran would not yield to its opponents but argued that diminishing geopolitical risks was crucial to revitalizing Iran's economy.

He pointed out that protracted uncertainty was deterring both domestic and foreign investment. "Capital and money are extremely sensitive to risk," he stated. "We must eliminate this risk from the country." Iran's economy is already under significant strain from international sanctions, while a naval blockade has further hindered its capacity to export crude oil, its primary source of income.

The Iranian president's statements highlight the intensifying tension between Tehran's adversarial stance toward Washington and the economic pressures compelling the government to seek a diplomatic resolution.