Iran President Says US Must Choose Whether to End War
During a UN General Assembly visit in New York, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran is ready to negotiate a peace deal but will not continue fighting. He urged the United States to decide whether to end the war, citing the collapse of a recent ceasefire and Israel’s role in esca…
By Felo News Desk · Published
In a high‑profile appearance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered a stark message to the world: Tehran has no desire to keep fighting, and the decision to end the conflict lies with the United States. The statement was made during a Fox News interview aired on Thursday, following a fiery speech in which the president warned that Iran would not "bend at the knee" to Washington.
Background: The Current State of the Iran‑US Conflict
For months, the United States and Iran have been locked in a tense standoff that has escalated into open hostilities. The conflict intensified after a series of attacks on Iranian military targets in Iraq, which Iran blamed on U.S. forces. In response, the U.S. imposed new sanctions and increased its military presence in the Persian Gulf. The situation reached a tipping point when a fragile ceasefire, signed in early June, collapsed after an incident that the U.S. described as an "unacceptable escalation".
Amid this backdrop, President Pezeshkian’s remarks carry significant weight. He emphasized that Iran is prepared to negotiate a deal with President Donald Trump, but only if certain security guarantees are met. The president’s comments also highlight the role of Israel, which he accused of instigating the war by supporting attacks that have drawn the U.S. into the region.
Pezeshkian’s UN Speech and Its Key Points
During his UN address, Pezeshkian called on the international community to recognize that the war is not inevitable. He stated that Iran’s willingness to end the conflict hinges on the removal of threats and the establishment of a durable security framework. The president’s remarks were translated by Fox News, and he reiterated that the U.S. must make a clear choice about whether to pursue peace.
He also criticized the U.S. for using the strategic Strait of Hormuz as a pressure tool, arguing that such actions undermine regional stability. Pezeshkian’s speech was part of a broader diplomatic effort that included meetings between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. officials, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Moves
While Pezeshkian’s message was clear, the international community has responded with a mix of caution and support. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband warned Iran’s foreign minister that the United Kingdom would not tolerate intimidation or hostile activity on UK soil from groups linked to Tehran. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would provide "military means" to protect the Yanbu oil terminal from attacks by Yemen’s Iran‑backed Houthis.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also weighed in, stating that China supports both the United States and Iran in returning to the June ceasefire agreement and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Xi’s comments came during a meeting with President Trump at the White House, underscoring China’s interest in maintaining stability in the Persian Gulf.
What Happens Next?
As the U.S. navigates its midterm elections, the window for a breakthrough remains uncertain. Pezeshkian has urged the U.S. to act before the elections or after, suggesting that the timing does not change the need for a resolution. The Iranian government has signaled that it is ready to strike a deal if the U.S. meets its security requirements.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to engage in back‑channel talks with Iranian officials, though no definitive agreement has yet been reached. The collapse of the June ceasefire has left both sides wary, and the international community watches closely to see whether a new diplomatic path can be forged.
In the coming weeks, observers will monitor the U.S. administration’s stance on the conflict, the progress of diplomatic negotiations, and the potential involvement of other regional actors. The outcome will shape the future of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and the stability of the Persian Gulf region.
Key facts
- Iran’s president urges U.S. to end war
- Collapse of June ceasefire fuels tension
- Israel accused of escalating conflict
- International actors call for diplomatic resolution
- Iran ready to negotiate if security guarantees met
Why it matters
The president’s call for U.S. action underscores the urgency of resolving a conflict that threatens regional stability and global oil markets.
Frequently asked questions
Why did President Pezeshkian say the U.S. must choose to end the war?
He believes Iran is ready to negotiate but will not continue fighting unless the U.S. takes decisive action to end hostilities.
What role did Israel play in the conflict?
Pezeshkian accused Israel of instigating the war by supporting attacks that drew U.S. involvement.
What is the significance of the June ceasefire collapse?
The collapse undermined trust between the parties and highlighted the fragility of diplomatic efforts.
How are other countries responding?
The UK, France, and China have issued statements urging stability and supporting diplomatic solutions.
Sources
- [1] france24.com
- [2] news18.com
- [3] gulfnews.com
- [4] newindianexpress.com
