Iran’s President Calls for End to War as Regional Tensions Escalate

The statement, reported by Iranian state media, came six months after the United States and Israel launched hostilities that have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz and intensified fighting in Syria and Gaza.

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The conflict began in February 2026 when U.S. and Israeli forces entered Iranian waters, prompting Iran to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil and gas shipments. The Trump administration has pledged an “economic D-Day,” promising sanctions aimed at forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear program and reopen the strait.

Iran Claims Victory as Strait of Hormuz Closure Prompts Alternative Route Discussions WRALIran should end war now as world acknowledges Tehran’s victory, says Pezeshkian Associated Press

France and Saudi Arabia are preparing a joint task-force to explore alternative trade routes that bypass the strait, including expanded use of Omani ports, new pipelines, and rail links. The two-day Saudi visit to Paris will feature a ministerial-level meeting on these projects.

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The United Nations continues to regard the Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory. Recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack—stating that Israel “still” occupies the Golan—have sparked controversy within the Trump administration.

Iran's Pezeshkian claims victory over US; Envoy's golan remarks spark row Associated PressWRALIran Claims Victory as Strait of Hormuz Closure Prompts Alternative Route Discussions

• The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with maritime traffic “greatly slowed” since the war’s onset.

Iran Claims Victory as Strait of Hormuz Closure Prompts Alternative Route Discussions

• Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 1,285 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

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• Israeli forces have conducted “hundreds of airstrikes” across Syria since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad in late 2024.

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• Donald Trump announced that the United States would impose “unprecedented” economic warfare and isolation on Iran.

Iran calls for end to war and boasts of victory: 'United States is hated across the globe'

• Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, warned that the sanctions campaign would be the largest coordinated economic isolation operation in history and would “bring down the regime.”

Iran should end war now as world acknowledges Tehran’s victory, says Pezeshkian

• Israel Katz, Israeli Defense Minister, labeled Barrack’s Golan remarks “full of inaccuracies.”

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• Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed bin Salman indicated that their task-force will focus on identifying strategic projects, securing financing, and involving French companies in alternative logistics routes.

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• “It is better that we end the war now that we are in a position of strength and dignity,” — Iran's

Iran calls for end to war and boasts of victory: 'United States is hated across the globe'

• “It's going to work in Iran and it's going to bring down the regime. It's going to be the largest coordinated economic isolation operation in world history,” — Scott Bessent, through treasury secretary

Iran calls for end to war and boasts of victory: 'United States is hated across the globe'

• The France-Saudi energy and logistics task-force is scheduled to meet at the ministerial level on Monday to finalize project priorities.

Associated Press

• U.S. Treasury officials plan to detail the next phase of sanctions against Iran at a press conference on the upcoming Monday.

Iran should end war now as world acknowledges Tehran’s victory, says Pezeshkian

• Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to visit the White House on September 24, where Iran is expected to be a discussion point.

Iran should end war now as world acknowledges Tehran’s victory, says Pezeshkian