Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday called for an end to his country’s war with the United States, appearing to break with radical hardliners. Amid Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports, which has cost Tehran billions, and an “Economic D-Day” campaign targeting Tehran that President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, Pezeshkian conceded the severe economic impact the war has had on Iran.“It is better to end the war today, when we are in power and dignity, and the whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasizes that America, contrary to all regulations, attacked our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and is hated in the world,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian president also rebuked colleagues who have opposed a peace deal.“Some people are sitting outside the circle; because they do not know the state of the government, the state of the parliament, and the state of the commanders, they make comments and analysis, even though they have not experienced any suffering or hardship, and then they talk about the cost,” Pezeshkian said. “They do not find a single clause in this agreement that indicates a commitment; all commitments are related to the other party. Criticizing the problems of inflation and issues arising from the war is not consistent with the slogans of some. When we chant slogans, we must also accept their severity.” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, left, and the sons of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Masoud, center, and Mostafa, attend a ceremony to commemorate the late leader at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque in Tehran, Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (Vahid Salemi/AP Photo)
