TEHRAN, Iran — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for an immediate end to the conflict, arguing that current circumstances provide Iran with an opportunity to bring the confrontation to a close from a position of strength.

Pezeshkian said ending hostilities would not amount to defeat or surrender, nor would it represent a strategic retreat. He indicated that Iranian diplomats remain prepared to pursue negotiations aimed at protecting the country’s national rights and sovereignty.

The Iranian president rejected any settlement imposed through military or political pressure, saying any agreement must fully respect Iran’s sovereignty. He also maintained that a cessation of fighting would not remove Iran’s right to defend itself.

His remarks come amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington and broader diplomatic efforts to prevent further military escalation in the region. The prospect of renewed confrontation remains, while economic and political pressure on Iran continues.

Pezeshkian has also portrayed a prolonged conflict as an unnecessary economic and humanitarian burden, suggesting that ending the fighting could better serve Iran’s national interests and contribute to greater domestic stability.

Iranian officials have continued to emphasize resilience in the face of external pressure while keeping open the possibility of diplomatic engagement. Tehran’s negotiating position is expected to focus on protecting national sovereignty and securing guarantees against terms it considers externally imposed.

Any durable settlement would likely require concessions from both Washington and Tehran and mechanisms capable of preventing a renewed escalation.

The future of the conflict remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue, with the positions of Iran and the United States still divided over security, sovereignty and the terms of any potential agreement.