'We are in position of power': Iran's Pezeshkian seeks end to US war, claims victory

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged an end to the ongoing conflict with the United States, asserting that Tehran currently holds a position of strength and dignity. Speaking at a meeting with doctors, Pezeshkian stated, “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity.” He further claimed that the international community acknowledges Iran's "victory" and accused the U.S. of violating global regulations through attacks on Iranian schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

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It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity.

Pezeshkian's remarks come as a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S. expired without a diplomatic breakthrough. He defended the agreement against criticism from hardliners within Iran's parliament, who had accused his administration of making concessions. Pezeshkian countered that the deal contained no clauses indicating capitulation, with all commitments resting on the other side.

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The whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasises that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world.

However, a starkly different message emanated from Iran's military leadership. Major-General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was quoted stating that the country's forces are prepared to respond to new threats with "crushing, punishing and devastating responses." Similarly, IRGC chief Ahmad Vahidi emphasized Iran's "Strategy of Defensive and Offensive Empowerment" as the "intelligent and efficient solution" to threats, highlighting a "solid defensive shield."

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They cannot find even a single clause in this agreement that indicates capitulation. All the commitments concern the other side.

Adding to the complex internal dynamics, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf acknowledged the significant strain on the country's economy. He stressed that military power alone is insufficient if the population is suffering from hunger and the nation lacks economic growth and production. Meanwhile, Oman's foreign minister discussed with his Iranian counterpart the conditions for resuming dialogue and addressed developments impacting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in the ongoing confrontation.

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With preparedness across land, sea, air, air defence and cyberspace, Iran’s armed forces will respond to the enemy’s new threats with crushing, punishing and devastating responses.