US-Iran war latest: Tehran vows to ‘neutralize’ economic war
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled a desire to move away from the country's ongoing conflict with the United States, citing the need to resolve economic issues. His comments highlight internal divisions within the Iranian leadership regarding the viability of a diplomatic memorandum.
Why it matters
Shifts in Iranian foreign policy and internal leadership dynamics have significant implications for global stability and oil markets.
Link Copied! Iran's president says country "cannot continue with war forever" By Tim Lister and Aida Karimi Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a press conference in the capital Tehran, on August 8, 2026. Iranian Presidential Office/AFP/Getty Images Iran “cannot continue with war forever,” its president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has said amid signs of growing differences within the Iranian leadership over negotiations with the United States.
During two appearances in Tehran on Sunday, Pezeshkian defended the memorandum of understanding that Iran reached with the United States in June, despite the purported misgivings of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
“One day, a decision must be made to save the country from the state of ‘neither war nor peace’,” Pezeshkian said.
Pezeshkian said that all those who were directly involved in the negotiations believed that the memorandum was the best way forward.
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