Iran president says time to end war while in position of strength

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday it was time to end the months-long Middle East war with the United States because Tehran was in a position of strength over Washington.

Talks between the decades-old foes remain on hold, with both sides locked in a stalemate since the war began in February.

Why does Iran's president say now is the time to end the war?

Pezeshkian said Iran should end the war now while holding a position of power and dignity, arguing that further delay offers no advantage to Tehran.

He said the world acknowledges Iran's victory and recognizes that US strikes hit schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules. He made the comments Friday during a meeting with doctors.

What is the current status of the Iran-US war?

Tehran is keeping the Strait of Hormuz partially shut, while Washington continues a naval counter-blockade of Iran. Both measures have remained in place as talks between the two countries stay frozen. The standoff has persisted for months since the US and Israel launched the war in February.

How has Iran responded to new US sanctions?

Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity" after Washington said it would ramp up sanctions on Tehran. The ministry said in a statement carried by state media that those responsible for the sanctions deserve trial and punishment for what it called heinous crimes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi separately said on X that the sanctions plan was a diversion from America's own debt crisis and surging interest costs.

What has the US said about its sanctions plan?

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that Washington would collapse the Iranian regime through its sanctions campaign, nearly six months after the war began. He said the plan to intensify economic pressure makes it less likely the US will need to resume heavy military operations against Iran. Bessent added that he would share further details of the measures at a press conference on Monday.

The comments signal a shift by the Trump administration towards economic rather than military pressure as the unpopular war continues. Washington has urged other governments, including China, to help isolate Iran's economy.

How has China responded to the US pressure campaign?

China criticized Washington's economic plan, saying sanctions and pressure would not resolve the Middle East conflict. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters on Friday that all relevant parties should pursue political and diplomatic solutions instead. Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on September 24, when Iran is expected to be discussed, as it was during Trump's May summit in Beijing.