- Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated it is time to end the months-long war with the United States as Tehran is in a position of strength over Washington.
- Pezeshkian emphasized that it is better to conclude the war now as Iran is in a position of power and dignity.
- Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of 'economic terrorism' and crimes against humanity following the announcement of increased sanctions.
- US sanctions are part of a strategy to increase pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stating that the plan aims to collapse the Iranian regime.
- Negotiations between Iran and the US remain stalled, with both sides locked in a stalemate since the war began in late February.
- China has called for a political and diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict, stating that sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit the White House on 24 September, where discussions regarding Iran are expected to take place.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stated on Friday that it is time to conclude the ongoing conflict with the United States, claiming Tehran is in a stronger position than Washington. He emphasized, "It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity."123
Pezeshkian's remarks come as the U.S. ramps up sanctions against Iran, which he and the Iranian foreign ministry condemned as "economic terrorism". The foreign ministry asserted that the "perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes."
Despite the sanctions, Iran has developed strategies to circumvent them, including expanding domestic production and utilizing informal trade networks. However, the International Monetary Fund predicts that inflation in Iran could rise nearly 70% by year-end, with the economy expected to shrink by more than 5%.
The ongoing stalemate in negotiations between the two nations has left both sides entrenched, with Tehran maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. implementing a naval counter-blockade. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the sanctions aim to "collapse" the Iranian regime, reducing the likelihood of military intervention.6
Chinese officials have urged for a diplomatic resolution, stating that "sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue." As tensions escalate, the future of U.S.-Iran relations remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm in their positions.
“Iran's foreign ministry accused the US of 'economic terrorism' and 'crimes against humanity' after Washington announced new sanctions. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said 'sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue,' while Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on 24 September.”
Euronews.com
