Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended a new memorandum of understanding with the United States as the “best way” for the country to overcome a state of “no war, no peace,” citing the urgent need to stabilise an economy battered by sanctions and conflict.
In a speech published by the official Iranian news agency IRNA on Sunday, Pezeshkian stated that members of the Supreme National Security Council consider the agreement the “best possible” deal based on “dignity, wisdom, and national interest.” Rejecting domestic criticism, he noted that not a single clause amounts to surrender and affirmed that the government will follow the policies determined by the Supreme Leader. Pezeshkian emphasised that Tehran does not intend to back down before its adversaries but linked the agreement directly to economic survival, explaining that Iran cannot attract investment in the current stagnant phase because capital is highly sensitive to risk.
The economic urgency comes as Iran struggles under a naval blockade and heavy sanctions following six months of war with the United States and Israel, which have severely hampered its ability to export oil. While Iranian media reported the memorandum contains no concessions from Tehran, tensions remain high. US President Donald Trump has vowed to deliver crushing strikes to the Iranian economy, following comments by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that Washington will impose “unprecedented” measures within days. In response, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaee told state television that Tehran will target the interests of any countries assisting the United States in its economic war. The United States, United Nations, and European Union have maintained various sanctions and trade embargoes on Iran since the late 1970s over its nuclear programme, human rights record, and support for armed groups.
In Washington, US House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated a desire to conclude the conflict ahead of the November congressional midterm elections. Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Johnson said resolving the matter within the next 73 days would be helpful, though he added that Republicans would win regardless because they have “cut off the head of the snake.” He asserted that the US has ensured Iran, which he described as the “largest state sponsor of terrorism,” will not obtain a nuclear weapon, crediting Trump for the achievement. Johnson anticipated a transition to a new phase in dealing with Iran, noting that oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz. While expressing distrust of Iranian negotiators on the other side of the table, he suggested that allied nations would assist in bringing the matter to a close step by step.
Amid the broader diplomatic manoeuvring, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced that Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir is scheduled to visit Tehran on Monday. Baghaei stated that the visit is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to help promote regional peace and security.
