Key facts
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated the Supreme National Security Council supports pursuing dialogue.
- Pezeshkian described the 12-day war with Israel as a symbol of national solidarity.
- An IRGC official affirmed the military's readiness to counter threats.
- US President Donald Trump suggested a peace deal with Iran could be signed soon.
- The proposed deal reportedly involves two phases, with the first focused on ending the war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that the country's Supreme National Security Council supports pursuing a "path of dialogue," a statement made amidst criticism from hardliners regarding Tehran's negotiating team in talks with the United States. Pezeshkian stated that the council, responsible for decisions regarding war and negotiations, has concluded that dialogue should be pursued.
Pezeshkian also marked the first anniversary of a 12-day war with Israel, characterizing it as a "symbol of national solidarity" and praising the Iranian people's "unity and resilience." He asserted that Israel's government had miscalculated by expecting attacks on senior figures and facilities to destabilize the country, and that the nation's resistance ultimately led to a ceasefire.
In parallel, Yadollah Javani, the political deputy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Iran's military, diplomats, and public are working together to protect national interests and that the armed forces are prepared to respond to any threat. This comes as US President Donald Trump indicated that a peace deal to end the war on Iran could be signed as early as Sunday, though Tehran has disputed the timeline, suggesting it could occur in the "coming days."
The proposed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran reportedly has two phases, with the first focusing on ending the war and the second, lasting 60 days, addressing critical issues like the nuclear file and sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that a collective decision would be made within the Supreme National Security Council, which includes both supporters and opponents of the deal. The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to meet to discuss the ramifications of the potential deal.