Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a forceful statement signaling a desire for an immediate cessation of the protracted war with the United States, asserting that Tehran possesses a position of strength as diplomatic negotiations remain stalled. In a meeting with doctors on Friday, Pezeshkian declared, “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity.” He further defended the June memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreed upon with Washington, asserting that the agreement, though seemingly beneficial to the US, constitutes a concession to its hostile actions. Pezeshkian acknowledged the US military’s recent actions, including targeting Iranian schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, labeling them a ‘violation of all regulations’ and a ‘hated’ symbol around the world. He emphasized that the entire world recognizes the Iranian victory and emphasizes that America has attacked Iranian institutions, inciting widespread global condemnation. Pezeshkian defended the MOU against accusations from parliamentary critics, who accused his administration of providing concessions to the US. He stated, “They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation. All the commitments concern the other side.” However, a day after the MOU’s expiration, Iran’s military leadership issued a warning that the country remains ready to respond to any new threats. Major-General Ali Abdollahi, speaking to Iranian media, stated that the military is preparing for a ‘crushing, punishing, and devastating’ response, citing preparedness across land, sea, air, air defense, and cyberspace. The military is reportedly organizing and protecting secret convoys of tankers through the southern sector of the Strait of Hormuz, estimated to be transporting approximately five to ten million barrels of oil per day, a significant volume that supports Iran’s oil exports. In Washington, President Donald Trump expressed skepticism regarding Tehran’s willingness to negotiate, stating, “It just means that we’re seeing what happens.” He added, “We have total control of that entire region having to do with the Strait of Hormuz, and that means well into it, the land areas. So, they would love to make a deal, but they’re not ready to make the right deal, in my opinion.” Trump also warned that economic consequences will be felt against any country that provides ‘any type of lifeline’ to Iran. The US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the Trump administration would ‘collapse’ the Iranian government with a sanctions campaign. Bessent is scheduled to hold a news conference on Monday, where he is expected to outline the planned sanctions against Iran, marking a significant shift by the Trump administration away from military pressure towards economic measures as the war nears its sixth-month mark. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the US plan, accusing Washington of ‘economic terrorism’ and asserting that ‘the instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment.’ China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Lin Jian also criticized the US measures, stating that sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue and urging all parties to ‘take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means.’ The situation remains fluid, with ongoing naval operations by the US Navy in the Strait of Hormuz, protecting the convoy of tankers, and continued diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.” , ] ,
Source: Al Jazeera
