Iran is indicating a desire to find a resolution to the conflict but with certain conditions in place. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is open to ending hostilities with the United States and Israel, provided that there are credible assurances that future attacks will be prevented. During a conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa, Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of including measures to deter any potential future aggressions.
“We are prepared to bring an end to this conflict if the necessary conditions are met, particularly the assurances needed to avoid a recurrence of hostilities,” Pezeshkian conveyed in a statement released by his office.
In response to the discussion, Antonio Costa urged Iran to de-escalate the situation, highlighting the precarious nature of the Middle East. He called on Iran to cease its attacks on regional countries and engage constructively in diplomatic efforts, particularly with the UN to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Conversely, President Pezeshkian criticized the United States for obstructing diplomatic efforts. He accused the U.S. of launching attacks during ongoing negotiations, citing two instances where Iran was targeted, which he argued demonstrated a lack of commitment to diplomatic solutions. Pezeshkian also attributed heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz to what he termed as “American-Zionist hostile actions,” while also criticizing European nations for their biased stance against Iran.
Despite Iran’s skepticism towards diplomatic efforts, the Trump administration maintains that negotiations are progressing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed that talks to end the conflict are substantial and showing progress. While emphasizing the critical nature of the upcoming days, Hegseth suggested that Iran is aware of the situation and has limited military options. The administration did not rule out the potential deployment of ground troops.
The White House reiterated its strategy of combining pressure with diplomacy. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted the ongoing discussions and positive developments behind the scenes, contrasting them with public statements. The administration remains committed to pursuing dialogue while maintaining pressure on Iran.
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With inputs from agencies