Extended interview: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the U.S.-Iran war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted on Friday that his nation desires to revive the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, which was established in June. This stance came after a previous declaration that Iran would not yield to Washington's demands. Pezeshkian expressed satisfaction that China also wished to see the agreement reinstated, posting on X that "Iran shares this approach and underscores the importance of returning to that understanding."

The diplomatic endeavors aimed at concluding the Middle East conflict, initiated by the US and Israel with unanticipated strikes on Iran in late February, have been impeded for several months. Diplomatic talks intended to revive the June agreement appeared to falter, despite hopes they could be revitalized during the UN General Assembly this week.

Iranian President Pezeshkian delivered a resolute address to the global body on Wednesday, firmly stating that Iran would not "bend at the knee" to the US. Subsequently, he informed Fox News that Iran did not intend to prolong the war, leaving the decision to end it in Washington's hands.

On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in discussions with US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, but these negotiations did not produce an immediate resolution.