Iran's president: Time to end war in 'position of strength'

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that it would be an opportune moment to seek to end the war with the United States , according to state media reports.

His comments, made at a medical conference, come amid mixed messages both from officials in Tehran and from US President Donald Trump on the conflict. The partial truce agreed in June remains in a seemingly ambiguous state, having expired without progress or renewal on Monday.

Tehran continues to severely limit shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the United States is in turn trying to enforce what it refers to as a blockade of Iran's ports.

Trump this week threatened increased economic pressure on Iran . But how much further the US can turn the screws on one of the world's most heavily sanctioned countries, with which it does almost no business, is unclear.

As Pezeshkian seemingly suggested it might be a good time to negotiate peace, an Iranian military leader threatened "crushing, punishing and devastating responses" if the US did try to isolate Iran further economically.

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According to IRNA's report, Pezeshkian said the war would eventually have to be brought to an end.

"It is better to end it today, as we are in a position of strength and dignity," he said.