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Desk. Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian has appealed to end the months-long war with America. “It would be better if we end the war now, because we are in a position of strength and respect. The whole world recognizes our victory and emphasizes that the US has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all rules and is hated around the world,” Pezheshkian said in a meeting with doctors on Friday, Al Jazeera reported.

The statement came as officials from Iran and Oman discussed efforts to restart talks between Tehran and Washington. Despite Pezeshkian's calls for an end to the conflict, Iran's military leadership said the country was ready to respond to any new threats. “With full preparedness on land, sea, air, air defense and cyberspace, Iran's military will deliver a befitting, punishing and devastating response to the enemy's new threats,” Major-General Ali Abdullahi, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, was quoted as saying.

Pezeshkian also defended the June deal with Washington, which has been criticized by hard-liners in the Iranian parliament. According to a BBC report, Pezeshkian is considered one of the “reformist” leaders in the Iranian system. His critics have accused the government of bowing to America. Pezeshkian rejected the allegation, saying that Tehran was not required to capitulate under the agreement. He said, “They will not find a single thing in this agreement that will make them feel that we have accepted defeat. All the promises are to the other party.”

In Washington, President Donald Trump said he doubted Iran's willingness to reach a deal. When asked whether US military options against Iran were limited, Trump told reporters: “It just means we're watching to see what happens. We have complete control over the entire Strait of Hormuz, and that means we have control over the land as well. So, they would like to make a deal, but in my opinion, they are not ready to make the right deal.”