Full Breakdown
President Pezeshkian’s Push to End “No War, No Peace” Amid Supreme Leader Meeting
8/10/2026, 8:25:41 AM
Meeting with Supreme Leader Amid Health Speculation
State media reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in late July, marking the start of his third year in office. The two-hour discussion covered military affairs, resource management, foreign-exchange issues and economic ties with foreign partners. The meeting was highlighted as a response to circulating rumors about Khamenei’s health after Israeli reports that the leader was in “extremely critical condition.”
Diplomatic Drive to End the Deadlock
On Saturday, August 8, Pezeshkian declared that Iran was in a position of strength and that “now is the best time” to reach an agreement with the United States, emphasizing national cohesion, strength and unity. He urged a mechanism to address cease-fire violations and argued that the “no war, no peace” status must end. Tehran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Oman on reopening the Strait of Hormuz were “in the final stages,” but added that reopening depends on U.S. compliance with the June memorandum of understanding (MoU) and compensation for violations. IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated the strait will be reopened only when Washington accepts Iran’s conditions.
Conditions for Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The Supreme National Security Council, led by secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, issued six conditions that must be met before the waterway can be reopened:
1. End U.S. threats and “insults” to Iran’s national and religious values.
2. Permanently halt attacks on Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.
3. Lift the U.S. naval blockade and withdraw U.S. naval and air forces from the region.
4. Pay compensation for damage caused by the two “imposed wars.”
5. Lift global sanctions.
6. Unconditionally release frozen Iranian assets.
These demands broaden the scope of the June MoU, linking the strait’s status to wider political, military and economic issues.
Data & Statistics
- The war that began on February 28 has killed more than 3,400 people.
- The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments in peacetime.
- A United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations report noted a projectile strike on a vessel near Oman with no casualties, underscoring ongoing security risks.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr (IRIB) declared the strait will remain closed “until Washington corrects its behaviour.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Health of the Supreme Leader: Israeli outlets claimed Khamenei was in critical condition, while Iranian state TV released an undated video showing him appearing healthy. No independent verification is available.
- Interaction with Khamenei: Pezeshkian said on July 21 that contacts with the leader were “increasing day by day,” yet in early August he described communication as “very difficult.” The discrepancy reflects uncertainty about the leader’s accessibility.
- U.S. negotiations: The foreign ministry denied direct talks with Washington, describing exchanges as “messages via intermediaries,” whereas Pezeshkian’s statements imply a willingness to negotiate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When people talk about reaching an agreement, I believe now is the best time, because there is cohesion, strength and unity in the country.” — Masoud Pezeshkian
- “We are determined to make the memorandum the basis of our approach, provided the United States abandons the atmosphere of distrust it has created and trust can be rebuilt,” — Masoud Pezeshkian
- “The reality is that today the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in a full-scale war.” — Masoud Pezeshkian
