TEHRAN Aug 22, 2026 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Saturday that the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had advocated ending the long-running “neither war nor peace” standoff with the United States through negotiations from a position of strength, remarks that come as diplomacy between the two countries remains stalled.
“I was with the martyred Supreme Leader, and he publicly announced in his speeches that we must get out of this situation of neither war nor peace,” Pezeshkian stated, according to reports citing Iran International. “With strength, but with logic, we can sit down and resolve our problems.”
The comments, made roughly six months after Khamenei’s death, appear aimed at defending ongoing diplomatic efforts and framing them as consistent with the former leader’s views. Pezeshkian has repeatedly argued that Iran should seek to end the conflict while in a position of “power and dignity.” On Friday, he told a gathering of doctors: “It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity.”
Khamenei, 86, was killed on February 28, 2026, in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on his compound in Tehran that also claimed the lives of several relatives and top officials. Iranian state media confirmed his death the following day and declared a period of national mourning. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, later succeeded him as supreme leader.
The conflict erupted with the February strikes and has continued in a tense stalemate. Iran has partially restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has maintained a naval counter-blockade. A 14-point memorandum of understanding signed in June under Pakistani and Qatari mediation established a 60-day ceasefire and framework for further talks on issues including Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. That temporary arrangement expired earlier this week without a comprehensive agreement, leaving negotiations on life support.
Pezeshkian’s push for diplomacy has drawn criticism from hardline factions inside Iran, who accuse the government of signaling weakness. One lawmaker, Mahmoud Nabavian, questioned the timing of calls to end the war, asking whether Iran should “beg” the United States and Israel to stop attacks.
Washington is reportedly preparing additional sanctions in the coming days. Mediation efforts, including recent contacts involving Oman, continue in an attempt to revive direct or indirect talks.
Pezeshkian’s latest statements mark one of the most explicit efforts by Iranian officials to retrospectively link the late supreme leader to a preference for negotiated resolution over prolonged confrontation.
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