Iran's President Calls for End to War with US from 'Position of Strength'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on August 22 called for an end to the months-long war with the United States, asserting that Tehran holds the upper hand amid stalled diplomatic negotiations.

“It is better for us to end the war now while we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said during a meeting with doctors on Friday. “The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasizes that the U.S. attacked our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, violating all regulations and being hated worldwide.”

Pezeshkian, who holds supreme authority under Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, also defended the memorandum of understanding reached with Washington in June against criticism from hardliners in parliament who accused his administration of conceding to the U.S. He stated: “They cannot find a single clause in this agreement that represents surrender. All commitments are on the other side.”

However, days after the memorandum expired, Iran's military leadership warned that the country remains ready to retaliate against any new threats.

Iranian media quoted Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, as saying: “With preparations on land, sea, air, air defense, and cyberspace, the Iranian armed forces will respond to new enemy threats with crushing, punishing, and devastating responses.”

Strait of Hormuz

In a related development, Oman's state news agency reported that the foreign ministers of Oman and Iran spoke by phone on Friday to discuss ways to facilitate the resumption of dialogue and negotiations, as well as developments affecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran continues to partially close this crucial waterway while Washington maintains a reciprocal naval blockade. U.S. media reported that the American navy has organized and protected secret oil tanker convoys through the southern part of the strait, allowing exports of 5 to 10 million barrels of oil per day.

In Washington, President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Tehran's sincerity in negotiations. When asked whether U.S. military options against Iran were limited, he told reporters: “It just means we're waiting to see what happens.”

“We have complete control over that entire area with respect to the Strait of Hormuz, and that means also the land areas. So they very much want to reach a deal, but in my view, they are not ready for a proper deal,” Trump added.

He also warned of economic consequences for any nation providing “any kind of relief to Iran.” The statement came as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Washington would “collapse” the Iranian government through a sanctions campaign.

Bessent will hold a press conference at the Treasury Department on Monday, where he is expected to unveil planned sanctions against Iran, marking the Trump administration's shift toward economic pressure rather than military action as the war nears the six-month mark.

Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the U.S. plan, accusing Washington of “economic terrorism” and declaring that “those who instigate these sanctions deserve trial and punishment.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also criticized the U.S. measures, stating that “sanctions and pressure will not help solve the problem” and urging all parties to “take responsible measures and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means.”