Iran's president calls for end to war from 'position of power' as US ups pressure

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict with the United States on Friday, asserting that Tehran holds a strategic advantage over Washington. Speaking in a public address, Pezeshkian emphasized that the war should conclude while Iran maintains its position of strength and dignity. He noted that global recognition of Iran's resilience and the international condemnation of U.S. actions, particularly attacks on civilian infrastructure, underscore the imbalance in the current standoff. The remarks came amid heightened tensions following Washington’s announcement of plans to intensify economic sanctions against Iran. The U.S. Treasury Department’s chief, Scott Bessent, indicated that the new measures aim to reduce the likelihood of renewed large-scale military action. The sanctions, part of broader efforts to isolate Iran economically, have drawn sharp criticism from Iranian officials. The Iranian foreign ministry accused the U.S. of engaging in “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity,” arguing that the measures fail to address the root causes of the conflict and instead exacerbate suffering among ordinary citizens. Senior Iranian figures, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have dismissed the U.S. strategy as a distraction from Washington’s internal challenges, such as rising national debt and soaring interest rates. Araghchi described the proposed sanctions as a “diversion” and warned that they could backfire by deepening the economic strain on Iran rather than forcing compliance. Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful faction within the regime, continues to exert influence, advocating for increased leverage against the U.S., including control over critical maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the escalating rhetoric, direct negotiations between the two nations remain stalled. The conflict, initiated by U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February, has resulted in a deadlock characterized by mutual accusations and limited progress. Iran has maintained a blockade of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. persists with a naval effort to disrupt Iranian shipping. This impasse has left both sides in a precarious position, with neither willing to concede ground despite growing economic and humanitarian pressures. China has expressed cautious neutrality, urging all parties to pursue dialogue and avoid escalatory measures. A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated that sanctions and coercion would not lead to a sustainable resolution. As Chinese President Xi Jinping prepares for a high-level meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in early September, the issue of Iran is expected to feature prominently in discussions. This follows similar diplomatic engagements during previous U.S.-China summits, underscoring the regional significance of the conflict. Meanwhile, analysts warn that Iran’s ability to withstand economic hardship has not gone unnoticed. Despite severe inflation projections and a projected contraction of the economy, Iran has managed to maintain stability through a combination of domestic production expansion, informal trade networks, and alternative supply channels. However, experts caution that this resilience may not be permanent. With fuel consumption surpassing domestic production, there are signs that the government may soon face difficult decisions regarding pricing policies, potentially reigniting social unrest. Pezeshkian has publicly acknowledged the economic challenges facing the nation, stating that his administration is committed to addressing the well-being of its citizens. Yet, the ultimate authority in shaping Iran’s response to external pressures lies with the IRGC, which has grown stronger since surviving initial U.S. and Israeli strikes. Its continued dominance suggests that even as the leadership seeks diplomatic solutions, the military establishment remains focused on securing long-term strategic advantages.