Iranian President Pezeshkian Urges End to War as US Pressure Mounts – Bloomberg

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has recently urged a swift end to the war, saying according to a Bloomberg report on Friday that "it is better to end the war today, when we have strength and dignity, and the whole world recognizes our victory." The remarks come as US pressure intensifies and a ceasefire agreement between the two countries is set to expire.

**Economic Hardship Intensifies Internal Pressure**

Months of military conflict have weighed heavily on Iran's economy. According to reports, the sudden halt of oil export activities has sharply cut the government's main revenue source, while surging import costs have driven up domestic prices. Meanwhile, extensive damage to manufacturing facilities from strikes has not only eliminated potential tax revenue but also forced the government to allocate emergency financial aid to help restore operations. This severe economic situation makes the practical need to seek a deal to ease the crisis increasingly urgent.

**Major Divergences Remain in Negotiation Prospects**

Despite Iran's signals of ending the war, positions on core issues such as nuclear rights remain far apart. Iran's Student News Agency quoted Pezeshkian as saying that US President Donald Trump has no reason to deprive Iran of its nuclear rights. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who previously participated in negotiations in Islamabad, also admitted that "although there has been progress in talks, there are still many differences, and some fundamental issues remain unresolved," adding that "we are still far from reaching a consensus." This indicates that with little time left before the ceasefire deadline, obstacles to a final agreement remain enormous.

**Contradictory Signals Amid Intertwined Internal and External Pressures**

Analysts point out that Iran's leadership is facing multiple pressures. Hamidreza Azizi, an expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, believes Iran's fiery rhetoric reflects its dilemma. On one hand, domestic hardliners, emboldened by surviving initial attacks, are highly sensitive to any sign of concession; on the other hand, the severe economic crisis forces the leadership to consider diplomatic avenues to ease sanctions and blockades. This contradictory mindset leads Iran to call for peace while also issuing warnings of unwillingness to yield.