Iran's President says it is up to U.S. to choose if it wants to end Iran war

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said it was up to the United States to decide when the war between the two countries would end, when asked whether the conflict could conclude by the end of the year.

“But we do not wish to continue. It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not,” President Pezeshkian said in an interview aired on Thursday (September 24, 2026) on Fox News ’ Special Report with Bret Baier.

Mr. Pezeshkian told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that Tehran would never surrender to U.S. pressure, as the two sides remain far apart on the terms for ending the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States could “annihilate” Iran if there was no deal to end the war, while also suggesting that an agreement could be reached soon.