Iran’s president says it is up to US to choose if it wants to end Iran war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated during an interview aired on Thursday that it is ultimately the decision of the United States to determine if the Iran conflict will come to an end. He expressed a desire for the war to conclude, stating, “But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not,” in response to inquiries from Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” show.

Pezeshkian's remarks came after Iran's president spoke at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, reaffirming Tehran's stance that it will not yield to US pressure in resolving the ongoing war. The two nations have remained deeply divided on the path forward to end the conflict.

In a separate development, US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday the possibility of "annihilating" Iran should no agreement be reached to end the war. However, Trump also hinted that a resolution might be achievable in the near future. Trump's approach to the conflict has been marked by fluctuating goals and timelines, with the war igniting on February 28 when US forces and Israel launched strikes against Iran, which retaliated by targeting Israel and US-aligned military installations in the region.

These escalations have resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions across Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries such as Lebanon. Trump has emphasized the objective of weakening Iran's nuclear program as a key component of his war strategy. Iran, which does not possess nuclear weapons, vehemently denies pursuing such capabilities. The nation asserts its right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, in compliance with the terms of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).