Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday called for an immediate end to the six-month war with the United States, asserting that the world has accepted Iran’s position of strength despite ongoing economic and military pressures. His remarks came as the U.S. announced a new phase of economic warfare targeting Iran, including a blockade of Iranian ports and a pledge to "collapse" the Iranian regime through sanctions.
Iran’s president cites global support for ceasefire
President Pezeshkian stated in a meeting with doctors that "it is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity," according to Iranian state media. He claimed that "the whole world acknowledges our victory" and accused the U.S. of violating international regulations by attacking Iranian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals. Pezeshkian’s comments followed Iran’s partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, since February, when the U.S. and Israel initiated military actions against Iran.
U.S. intensifies economic campaign against Iran
The Trump administration escalated its economic pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump announcing an "unprecedented" campaign of sanctions and isolation. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to "collapse" the Iranian regime, framing the measures as a response to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear program. The U.S. has also maintained a naval counter-blockade of Iranian ports, costing Tehran billions in revenue.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. sanctions as "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity," calling for the perpetrators to be held accountable. China criticized the U.S. approach, stating that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict.
Diplomatic contradictions and regional responses
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack appeared to contradict official U.S. policy in an interview, stating that Israel "still" occupies the Golan Heights in violation of U.N. resolutions. His remarks contrasted with the U.S. position on the Golan Heights, highlighting internal divisions within the Trump administration regarding Middle East policy.
France and Saudi Arabia are reportedly discussing plans to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed since the conflict began. The closure has disrupted global oil and natural gas shipments, raising concerns about energy security in the region.
Domestic reactions in Iran
Pezeshkian’s call for peace has been interpreted as a break with hardline factions within Iran’s government. He criticized unnamed colleagues for opposing a potential peace deal, stating that some critics lack awareness of the government’s challenges and the severity of the economic crisis. The president acknowledged the economic toll of the war but framed Iran’s position as one of strength, arguing that the world recognizes Iran’s resilience.
The conflict, which began in February with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, has entered a stalemate, with both sides locked in a prolonged standoff. Talks between the two nations remain on hold, and neither side has shown willingness to de-escalate without concessions.