Iran Signals Openness to Ending War, but Says Washington Must Make the Choice

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 25, 2026

WASHINGTON — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that the United States must decide whether it wants to end the war with Iran, while indicating that Tehran does not wish to continue fighting and remains open to a negotiated settlement.

Pezeshkian made the comments in an interview broadcast on Fox News on Thursday, 24 September, amid continued military tensions and diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict. His remarks came shortly after he addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he rejected the idea that Iran would surrender to US pressure.

Pezeshkian Calls on Washington to Choose Peace Suggested main image: Iranian president addressing world leaders at the United Nations.

Pezeshkian says Iran does not want to continue fighting

Asked whether the war could end before the end of the year, Pezeshkian said:

“But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.”

The Iranian president also argued that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than military action. He blamed Israel for helping trigger the conflict, a characterization that reflects Tehran’s position and is disputed by the United States and Israel.

Pezeshkian’s statement represents a public expression of willingness to pursue an agreement, but it does not establish that a ceasefire or peace deal is imminent.

Iran’s President Speaks to US Television Audience Suggested image: Pezeshkian during his Fox News interview.

Diplomatic positions remain far apart

The comments came as US and Iranian officials continued to communicate through diplomatic channels, including meetings and contacts connected to the United Nations General Assembly.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly participated in discussions with US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in New York. The meetings did not immediately produce a publicly confirmed breakthrough.

Iran has previously indicated that it could consider an agreement under certain conditions, including issues relating to US military pressure, sanctions and access through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also criticized what it considers the use of force and threats as prerequisites for negotiations.

Trump Maintains Pressure as Diplomatic Options Remain Open Suggested image: Trump speaking at the UN or discussing the Iran conflict.

Key obstacles to an agreement

These issues remain subject to negotiations, and the public statements from both governments do not demonstrate that the parties have reached agreement.

Trump maintains pressure while leaving room for a deal

US President Donald Trump has issued forceful warnings toward Iran while also suggesting that a diplomatic agreement could be reached.

In remarks reported after his address to the UN General Assembly, Trump said he could “annihilate” Iran if an agreement was not reached, while also indicating that a deal might be possible. His administration has presented Iran’s nuclear capabilities and regional security as central concerns.

The contrasting public messages reflect the central challenge facing negotiators: both sides have signaled positions on diplomacy, but they remain divided over the conditions required to end hostilities.

The Strait of Hormuz and wider regional consequences

The conflict has affected regional security and international energy markets, particularly because of disruption involving the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for oil and gas shipments.

Iran has previously indicated that it could reopen the strategically important waterway if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. Such a step would depend on the terms of any arrangement and its implementation.

Energy-market uncertainty has continued alongside diplomatic activity. Reports indicate that negotiations and possible de-escalation measures are being closely monitored by traders because a reduction in hostilities could affect shipping conditions and supply expectations.

Iran’s message at the United Nations

During his address to the UN General Assembly on 23 September, Pezeshkian rejected the idea that Tehran would capitulate to Washington.

He defended Iran’s conduct as self-defense and said the country was prepared to engage in dialogue and negotiations without accepting what he described as coercion. The address highlighted the gap between Iran’s stated willingness to negotiate and its refusal to accept an agreement imposed through military threats.

The United States, meanwhile, has maintained that its actions are linked to security objectives, including concerns about Iran’s nuclear programme and regional military activity. Iran disputes Washington’s justification for the war.

What could happen next?

Several outcomes remain possible, depending on whether the two governments can resolve their differences:

• Further negotiations: Mediators and officials could continue discussions over a ceasefire and a longer-term agreement.

• A phased arrangement: The sides could negotiate reciprocal measures involving military activity, sanctions and maritime access.

• Continued confrontation: If demands remain incompatible, military and economic pressure could continue.

• Regional diplomacy: Other governments may seek to reduce risks to shipping, energy supplies and neighboring states.

There is currently no confirmed comprehensive peace agreement in the available reporting. Pezeshkian’s comments indicate that Iran is publicly presenting diplomacy as an option, but the outcome depends on negotiations and decisions by multiple governments.

Independent assessment

Pezeshkian’s remarks shift responsibility for ending the conflict toward Washington, while simultaneously communicating that Iran is open to a negotiated outcome. The US administration has also spoken about a possible deal, but its demands and military warnings remain significant barriers to an agreement.

The statements should be understood as positions expressed by the parties, not evidence that a peace settlement has been reached or that fighting will necessarily end soon. The most important developments to monitor are the terms of any proposed agreement, whether military activity decreases, and whether both sides accept verifiable commitments.

Sources

• Reuters reporting on Pezeshkian’s Fox News interview and the US-Iran war.

• Reuters reporting on Iran’s position regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

• Associated Press coverage of the UN General Assembly and regional developments.

• Fox News interview and coverage of Pezeshkian’s UN address.