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

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that it is time to end the ongoing Middle East conflict with the United States. Speaking from what he described as a position of strength, power, and dignity, Pezeshkian defended a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and emphasized that the negotiated agreement does not signal a defeat for Tehran.

While Pezeshkian argued that Iran is in a stronger position than Washington, the call to conclude the war comes as the United States prepares to escalate economic pressure by ramping up sanctions described as an "Economic D-Day." Meanwhile, talks between the longstanding adversaries remain on hold following the outbreak of the months-long conflict.