Iran Seeks US Deal, Not War, President Pezeshkian Says
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran does not seek war with the United States and remains willing to pursue a negotiated agreement, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside heightened tensions in the Middle East.
In an interview with Fox News aired Thursday, Pezeshkian was asked whether Iran was choosing continued war or an agreement with Washington.
“We do not choose war. The war was imposed on us. We do not seek war,” Pezeshkian said.
The Iranian president said Tehran remained willing to move forward with an agreement, referring to a June memorandum that envisaged reaching a final peace deal within 60 days but subsequently broke down amid disagreements over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pezeshkian said Iran had reached an understanding with US President Donald Trump and remained interested in pursuing that process. He argued that Washington must now decide whether it wants the conflict to end.
Reuters separately reported that Pezeshkian said the decision on when to end the war rested with the United States when asked whether the conflict could conclude before the end of 2026.
Trump Says US-Iran Talks Continue
Pezeshkian’s remarks come as both Washington and Tehran signal that diplomatic channels remain active.
Trump said earlier this week that talks with Iran were continuing and expressed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached. He nevertheless reiterated that Washington would not accept Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
Iran has also presented proposals aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters this week that Tehran was prepared to reopen the strategically important waterway if the United States reduced military pressure and lifted its blockade of Iranian ports. Iran’s delegation in New York was given authority to pursue negotiations, according to the official.
Oil markets have responded to the possibility of de-escalation. Crude prices edged lower on Friday as traders weighed prospects for a US-Iran truce against continuing security risks, including attacks on Saudi infrastructure.
Pezeshkian Addresses Nuclear Programme
Pezeshkian was also questioned about Iran’s nuclear programme and whether Tehran would give up uranium enriched to 60%.
The Iranian president said his government would comply with obligations imposed by international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Asked directly whether Iran wanted a nuclear weapon, Pezeshkian rejected the suggestion.
His remarks state Iran’s position; disputes between Tehran, Washington and other governments over Iran’s enrichment programme, safeguards and verification remain part of the wider negotiations.
Iran Distances Itself From Houthi Actions
The interview also covered Iran’s relationship with Yemen’s Houthis, whose attacks on Saudi Arabia have added another layer to the regional crisis.
Pezeshkian said the Houthis were responsible for their own actions and denied that they operated under Tehran’s direct orders.
Iran’s degree of influence over the Houthi movement remains contested. Reuters reports that security experts debate the extent of Tehran’s operational control, while Yemeni government, Iranian and regional sources have alleged direct guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in some Houthi operations.
The distinction is important: Pezeshkian’s statement represents Tehran’s position and does not independently resolve the debate over Iranian support or influence.
Hormuz Remains Central to Negotiations
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the central issues in efforts to end the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had submitted a proposal through intermediaries under which hostilities would end across multiple fronts before Hormuz was fully reopened.
Iran has sought measures including the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, access to frozen Iranian funds and sanctions relief.
Reuters reported earlier this week that Tehran was reviewing Washington’s response to its peace proposals.
The negotiations remain fluid, and neither side has announced a final agreement.
Pezeshkian’s latest comments therefore represent a significant diplomatic signal but not confirmation that a ceasefire or comprehensive US-Iran settlement has been reached.
For now, Tehran is publicly presenting its preference as negotiation rather than continued conflict, while Washington says discussions remain underway.
