Iran’s president says US war not in Tehran’s interest after fighting flares

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that continuing the war with the US is not in the country's interest, following a recent military escalation between the two nations. The Iranian leader emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving the existing issues during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.

Pezeshkian's comments came in the wake of US forces launching an attack on Iran's Larak Island, marking the first exchange of fire in a month between Iran and the US in the vicinity of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Tehran responded by striking facilities in Jordan and the UAE, which it claimed were utilized by the US military.

The US and Israel had initiated the conflict on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other high-ranking military officials. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks across the region, escalating the conflict despite an April ceasefire.

While the ceasefire has brought temporary respite, sporadic clashes around the Strait of Hormuz have raised doubts about the prospects for a lasting peace agreement. The United States has also ramped up economic pressure on Iran through its "economic asphyxiation" campaign.