Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an end to the months-long Middle East war with the United States, claiming Tehran is negotiating from a position of strength.
Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday, Pezeshkian said it was better to conclude the conflict now whilst Iran maintains what he described as power and dignity.
“The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world,” the president said.
The war, which began in February following US and Israeli military action, remains deadlocked. Tehran continues to partially restrict access to the Strait of Hormuz whilst Washington maintains a naval counter-blockade of Iran.
Deal sparks domestic criticism
Pezeshkian defended a memorandum of understanding agreed with Washington in June, rejecting suggestions the deal represented capitulation.
“They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation. All the commitments concern the other side,” he said.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the agreement weeks ago despite expressing reservations. Hardline lawmakers have criticised the government for making concessions to the US, particularly regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports in US media indicate American naval forces have been protecting secret tanker convoys through the southern section of the strait, allowing between five million and 10 million barrels of oil to be exported daily.
Economic pressure replaces military action
As Tehran claims the upper hand, Washington has threatened to increase sanctions against Iran. The move marks a shift in US strategy from military to economic pressure nearly six months into the conflict.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that Washington would “collapse” the Iranian regime through its planned economic campaign. He promised further details at a press conference on Monday.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the American plan as “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity”.
“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” it said in a statement carried by state media.
China urges diplomatic solution
China criticised the US economic strategy, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian telling reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”.
Washington has asked other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate Iran’s economy. The issue is expected to feature in discussions when Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the White House on 24 September. Trump travelled to Beijing for a summit in May when Iran was also discussed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the sanctions plan in a post on X, calling it a distraction from America’s debt crisis and rising interest costs.
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