Iran president says time to end war with US from strength

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on August 21 that it was time to end the months-long war with the United States while Tehran was, in his view, in a position of strength.

“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said in a meeting with doctors. He also claimed that the world acknowledged Iran’s victory and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

Talks between Tehran and Washington remain on hold. Tehran is keeping the Strait of Hormuz partially shut, while Washington is maintaining a naval counter-blockade of Iran.

Pezeshkian defended a memorandum of understanding agreed with the United States in June that is aimed at ending the war. He said it did not signal defeat for Tehran, adding: “They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation.”

His remarks came weeks after Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had approved the deal despite having “different views”. Hardline lawmakers in Iran’s parliament have criticised the government over the deal, accusing it of giving concessions to the United States, mostly over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

US media reports said the American navy has been organising and protecting secret convoys of tankers through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, enabling between five and 10 million barrels a day of oil to be exported.

Washington has said it would increase sanctions pressure on Tehran. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the plan, accusing the United States of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity”.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on August 20 that Washington would “collapse” the Iranian regime with the threatened campaign. He said the sanctions plan meant the United States was less likely to return to heavy military operations against Iran and that he would give further details on Monday.

China also criticised Washington’s economic pressure campaign. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue” and called for political and diplomatic measures. Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on September 24, when Iran is expected to be discussed.