Iran's president and parliamentary speaker are publicly advocating for an end to the country's conflict with the United States, navigating internal pressures from hardliners who prefer continued resistance. President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the severe economic toll on Tehran, stating that the nation cannot sustain its current state indefinitely.
"The war must come to an end at some point," Pezeshkian said, according to state media. "It is better that we demonstrate our strength and dignity today and tell the world that we have won and that we are ending the war." He added that while Iran will not "humiliatingly back down before the enemy or bow our heads," it can negotiate from a position of strength and logic to resolve its problems.
Pezeshkian's remarks suggest a desire to move beyond the current situation of "neither war nor peace," a sentiment he attributed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, though Khamenei has not been publicly seen since the war began. The president also noted that elevating hardliners within Iran has complicated efforts to strike a deal with the U.S.
Echoing the president's concerns, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf emphasized the national security risks posed by Iran's economic crisis. "No matter how much military power we have, if our people are struggling and the country lacks financial circulation and economic growth, we will not achieve progress," Ghalibaf stated. "As someone who has experienced war, [I] understand the true value of peace."
The calls for de-escalation come as the Trump administration maintains economic pressure on Tehran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly preparing to implement further measures, which may include secondary sanctions on countries doing business with Iran. This intensified economic warfare has contributed to inflation and a deepening cost-of-living crisis within Iran.
Former President Donald Trump has consistently stated his primary objectives regarding Iran are to prevent it from obtaining nuclear weapons and to ensure the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The administration has claimed to be securing significant oil flow through the critical waterway, though it remains below pre-war levels. Trump has suggested that while Iran is interested in a deal, it is not yet prepared to accept the terms he deems appropriate. During previous negotiations, the Trump administration reportedly received conflicting signals from Iran, and a memorandum of understanding signed in June collapsed after Iran launched attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.