Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Khatami urges diplomacy with US, Israel amid Iran war tensions
A former leader of Iran, Mohammad Khatami, said that Iran cannot keep living with war.
He said the country has been strong and survived attacks from other countries.
But he thinks that fighting for a long time makes it hard for people to live normal lives.
He wants Iran to talk carefully with the United States and Israel instead of only fighting.
Khatami also said that even if other countries attack, Iran will not fall apart.
However, he warned that Iran needs to fix problems inside the country to keep people happy.
Right now, Iran's leaders do not agree on what to do.
Some leaders want to keep fighting and never talk to the United States.
Other leaders think fighting can be used to get a better deal in talks.
This disagreement is a big challenge for Iran.
Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami called for cautious diplomacy with the United States and Israel, warning that Iran cannot sustain normal life under prolonged war.
Khatami said the Islamic Republic had survived foreign aggression and remained resilient, but argued continued conflict would create serious challenges.
He rejected the idea that foreign military pressure or all-out war could bring down Iran's political system, saying the Islamic Republic was 'here to stay'.
Khatami warned that the system could face a threat if it failed to address domestic problems that had alienated sections of Iranian society.
Iran's leadership is divided between the ultra-hardline Paydari movement, which opposes negotiations, and a pragmatic camp aligned with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
- Who
- Former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami, along with Iran's leadership factions including the Paydari movement and a pragmatic camp led by President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
- What
- Khatami urged a cautious diplomatic approach with the US and Israel, warning against prolonged war, while Iran's leadership shows divisions over war strategy.
- When
- The article does not specify an exact date, but it references the April ceasefire agreement and current tensions.
- Where
- Iran, in the context of tensions with the United States and Israel.
- Why
- Khatami argues Iran cannot sustain normal life under prolonged war and needs to address domestic grievances, while leadership factions differ on whether to negotiate or pursue total victory.
Pragmatic camp (Pezeshkian/Ghalibaf)
Ultra-hardline Paydari movement
Negotiations with the United States
Pragmatic camp (Pezeshkian/Ghalibaf)
Military action can be leverage for negotiations; talks could force US concessions.
Ultra-hardline Paydari movement
Iran must refuse compromises and continue military pressure; negotiations are a betrayal.
Ending the conflict
Pragmatic camp (Pezeshkian/Ghalibaf)
Seek a deal to end the conflict through diplomacy combined with military leverage.
Ultra-hardline Paydari movement
Pursue total victory and oppose any ceasefire or negotiation with Washington.
- Speaker
- Mohammad Khatami, former president of Iran
- Key warning
- Iran cannot live with war; prolonged conflict creates serious challenges
- On resilience
- Islamic Republic is 'here to stay' despite external pressure
- Internal concern
- Leadership must address domestic grievances weakening public support
- Leadership divide
- Paydari hardliners vs. pragmatic camp of Pezeshkian and Ghalibaf
- Notable figure
- Saeed Jalili opposed the April ceasefire agreement
- Adviser view
- Mahdi Mohammadi said negotiations could complement military action