Key facts
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated it is up to the United States to choose when the war will end.
- Pezeshkian made the remarks in an interview aired on Fox News on Thursday.
- Iran's president told the UN General Assembly that Tehran would never surrender to US pressure.
- US President Donald Trump said he could "annihilate" Iran if there is no deal to end the war.
- The war began on February 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran.
- US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that the United States must decide when the ongoing war will end, suggesting that Iran is in a strong position. Pezeshkian made these remarks in an interview aired on Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier" show on Thursday evening.
In a separate meeting with doctors on Friday, Pezeshkian called for an immediate end to the months-long conflict, asserting that Iran holds a position of power and dignity. He noted that the world acknowledges Iran's victory and criticizes the US for attacking Iranian infrastructure. Pezeshkian also defended a June memorandum of understanding with Washington against domestic critics, stating it contained no concessions from Iran.
However, Iran's military leadership has warned of a "crushing, punishing and devastating response" to any new threats. Meanwhile, Omani and Iranian foreign ministers held a phone call to discuss resuming dialogue and developments affecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has kept partially closed. The US Navy has reportedly been organizing secret convoys of tankers through the strait, allowing for significant oil exports.
US President Donald Trump expressed doubt about Iran's readiness to negotiate a "right deal" and warned of economic consequences for any country providing support to Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce new sanctions against Iran on Monday, signaling a shift towards economic pressure. Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned these planned sanctions as "economic terrorism," while China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized US pressure and urged diplomatic solutions.