‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’
&imwidth=600&imheight=450&format=webp&quality=medium "‘It is better we end the war now’: Iran’s Pezeshkian says Tehran is in ‘position of power’")
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian attending a press conference in the capital Tehran, on August 8, 2026. Photograph: (AFP)
Iranian President Pezeshkian called to end the six-month US war from a position of strength, while Washington vowed to collapse Iran's economy despite China's opposition to sanctions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said it is time to end the months-long war with the United States, arguing that Tehran is in a position of strength despite the ongoing conflict. Speaking at a meeting with doctors on Friday (Aug 21), Pezeshkian said Iran should bring the war to an end while it had the upper hand. “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said, according to remarks carried by Iranian state media.
He also claimed that the international community recognised Iran’s “victory” and accused the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of international rules.
Pezeshkian’s comments came as tensions between Tehran and Washington remained high, with Iran’s foreign ministry accusing the US of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” over a fresh sanctions campaign.
“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” Iran’s foreign ministry said in a statement carried by state media.
The comments followed a warning from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday that Washington would seek to “collapse” the Iranian regime through its campaign of economic pressure.
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The conflict has now continued for nearly six months, with Washington threatening further measures aimed at isolating Iran and putting additional pressure on its economy.
China has also criticised the US approach. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that sanctions and pressure would not resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
Asked about US President Donald Trump’s threats, Lin told reporters that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue”.
Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy, adding another layer to the wider diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict.
