Iran prioritizes ending war, preserving unity, says President Pezeshkian

Key facts

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared ending the war and preserving unity as his government's priorities.
• Pezeshkian stated Iran is in a position of strength and dignity, suggesting an end to the conflict on its own terms.
• The US announced plans to ramp up economic sanctions, which Iran's foreign ministry labeled "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity."
• China urged all parties to resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means.
• Iran's military leadership vowed a broad and decisive response to any new threats from the US.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stated that ending the ongoing war is his government's top priority, emphasizing that Iran is currently in a position of strength and dignity. He suggested that the conflict should be brought to a close on Iran's own terms, asserting that the world acknowledges Iran's victory and criticizes US actions.

Pezeshkian's remarks come as the US prepares to intensify economic sanctions, which Iran's foreign ministry has condemned as "economic terrorism" and "crimes against humanity." The US Treasury chief, Scott Bessent, indicated that these measures would be the toughest in history, aiming to pressure Tehran. However, China has urged all parties involved to pursue political and diplomatic solutions rather than relying on sanctions and pressure.

Despite the escalating sanctions threat, Iran's military leadership, through Major General Ali Abdollahi, has vowed a broad and decisive response to any new threats. The conflict, which began in February, has seen Iran maintain control of the Strait of Hormuz while the US enforces a naval counter-blockade. Experts note that while Iran has shown resilience, high inflation and economic contraction are projected, raising concerns about potential unrest.