"Position of Strength" — Iran's President Advocates for End of War with the US
Despite massive US strikes over the past six months, the Iranian regime appears to remain firmly in power. President Pezeshkian is now calling for an end to the war. He sees his country as holding the advantage.
Next week will mark exactly half a year since Israel and the United States began their war against Iran. An agreed ceasefire has been broken repeatedly, with isolated mutual attacks occurring most recently. A diplomatic solution, however, remains elusive.
Iran's president is now advocating for an end to the military escalation. The war must end sooner or later, said Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the state news agency IRNA, speaking at a medical conference.
"It is better to end it today, as we are in a position of strength and dignity," Pezeshkian continued. The United States has become despised around the world because of the war, said the Iranian president, who also serves as head of government.
No Capitulation
In his speech, Pezeshkian categorically rejected any capitulation. "Under no circumstances will we yield to intimidation — of that there is no doubt whatsoever. Until our last breath, we will stand against them and give them a crushing response," he said.
The Iranian president is thereby throwing his support behind the negotiators seeking a deal with the United States. Within the regime, however, there is resistance to further talks with the US — above all within the Revolutionary Guard.
China Responds to Announced "Economic War"
The conflict between Iran and the United States is militarily deadlocked. Tehran is coming under increasing economic pressure. Most recently, US President Donald Trump announced plans to bring Iran to heel through an "economic war." He spoke of economic warfare and an isolation of Iran on an unprecedented scale.
As one of Iran's most important trading partners, China has now rejected this as inappropriate. "Sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the problem," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.
Beijing calls on "all relevant parties to take responsible steps and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means." The Chinese government "opposes illegal unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council," he added.
Iran Also Likely on Agenda at Trump-Xi Meeting
The US government had also called on its allies as well as China to support the "economic war" announced by Trump. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Washington will approach allies and rivals "and say: either you are on our side or against us."
A visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House is planned for September 24. Iran is likely to come up during that meeting, as it already did during Trump's visit to Beijing in May.
With reporting by Uwe Lueb, ARD Studio Istanbul
