Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said it was time to end the months-long war with the United States in the Middle East, arguing that Tehran was now in a stronger position than Washington. He made the remarks on Friday during a meeting with doctors, according to the report published on August 21, 2026.

The conflict, which the report says began in February with the United States and Israel, has reached a stalemate and talks between the two countries are suspended. Tehran has partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has maintained a counter naval blockade on Iran. Pezeshkian said Iran was in a position of strength and dignity.

His comments followed U.S. discussion of expanding sanctions on Iran. Iran's Foreign Ministry accused the United States of economic terrorism and crimes against humanity, while state media said those responsible for the sanctions should face justice and punishment. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had pledged on Thursday that Washington's threatened campaign would destroy Iran's governing system. China criticized U.S. sanctions and pressure, saying they would not resolve the Middle East conflict.