Iran's Pezeshkian says war must end while Tehran is in a strong and dignified position

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that the war with the United States needs to be ended while Iran is in a “strong and dignified” position, as he defended the latest Tehran-Washington agreement.

Speaking at an event, Pezeshkian said the outcome of the negotiations was a “major achievement” that had been approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency.

“What was achieved during the negotiations is a major achievement,” he said, adding that council members directly involved in the process had defended it firmly.

Pezeshkian described the latest agreement as “honourable and valuable”, while rejecting criticism that Tehran had made concessions.

“They cannot find a single clause in this agreement that indicates surrender; all commitments are tied to the other party,” he said.

However, the Iranian President stressed that the agreement does not mean Tehran would submit in the event of another attack.

“Under no circumstances will we submit to intimidation,” he said. “We will fight them until our last breath and respond very harshly.”

Pezeshkian said the war must end at some point and assessed that the current circumstances provide the right opportunity to end it.

“It is better to end the war today, when we are in a strong and dignified position,” he said, while accusing the United States of violating international rules by attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

He said Iran’s military commanders and armed forces remain fully prepared to defend the country, while stressing the importance of maintaining unity at home.

Iran and the United States signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding in Islamabad on 18 June, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.

The agreement provides for a cessation of war and a 60-day negotiation period towards a final agreement.

Tehran subsequently accused Washington of violating the memorandum of understanding, while Pakistan and Qatar continued their mediation efforts between the two sides.