Iranian president says time to end war with US from ‘position of strength’

What the report says

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran should seek an end to the war with the United States while claiming Tehran is negotiating from a position of strength, according to Al Jazeera’s report published on 22 August 2026. He made the remarks during a meeting with doctors, as diplomatic contacts remain stalled and Washington prepares a new sanctions campaign.

Pezeshkian also defended a June memorandum of understanding with Washington against criticism from hardline lawmakers in Iran, saying the agreement did not amount to capitulation. At the same time, Iran’s military leadership warned that the country is still ready to respond to any new threats, with senior commanders cited by Iranian media as promising strong retaliation across multiple domains.

The report said Omani and Iranian foreign ministers held a phone call on Friday about conditions for restarting dialogue and negotiations, including issues affecting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. That waterway remains a central pressure point in the conflict, with the United States maintaining a naval counterblockade and Iran keeping part of the route restricted, according to the article.

In Washington, President Donald Trump expressed doubt that Tehran is ready for a deal, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions drive aims to collapse the Iranian government. Iran condemned the plan as economic terrorism, and China urged diplomacy instead of more pressure. The developments underscore the shift from military confrontation toward intensified economic coercion, even as neither side shows signs of a breakthrough.