Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Iran pursues peace if US builds trust: Pezeshkian
Iran and the United States signed a special promise called a memorandum of understanding to try to end a war.
The promise covers fighting in many places, including the country of Lebanon.
Iran's president, Mr. Pezeshkian, says Iran wants to keep moving toward peace.
But he says the United States needs to help by acting in a way that builds trust.
He says this is the best time to make an agreement because the people of Iran are united.
Iran will keep its promises only as long as the United States keeps its promises too.
If the other side tries to use force instead, Iran says it will not give in.
The final decisions in Iran will be made by the Supreme Leader.
There are reports of disagreements inside Iran's leadership about the promise, and the president denies that he is quitting his job.
The two countries were supposed to talk within 60 days, but recent fighting in the region has made people unsure if those talks will happen.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will continue the path of peace under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States if Washington helps build an atmosphere of trust.
Pezeshkian said 'now is the best time to reach an agreement' because there is solidarity, power and unity in the country.
Iran will match its commitments to the level of US compliance and will not acquiesce if the other side seeks to resort to force, with the basis for Iran's action resting on Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's decisions.
In June, Iran and the United States signed the MoU on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, with negotiations scheduled within a 60-day period.
Recent escalation in the region has left the talks' fate uncertain, amid rumoured 'divisions' within Iran's leadership over the MoU, which Pezeshkian denied by saying he would 'continue his work resolutely.'
- Who
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and the United States.
- What
- Pezeshkian said Iran will continue the path of peace under the MoU with the United States if Washington helps build trust, while Iran matches its commitments to the level of US compliance.
- When
- Statements made on Saturday at a press conference, with an interview published on Friday; the MoU was signed in June.
- Where
- Iran (Tehran), with the MoU covering the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- Why
- To reach a final agreement and end the war, with Iran insisting on reciprocity and refusing to be forced to surrender.
Pro-negotiation government camp
Skeptics of the MoU path
Continuing the MoU path
Pro-negotiation government camp
Pezeshkian says now is the best time to reach an agreement and Iran will continue the path of peace as long as the United States helps build trust and fulfils its commitments.
Skeptics of the MoU path
Rumoured 'divisions' within Iran's leadership over the MoU have surfaced, prompting Pezeshkian to deny reports that he was stepping down and say he would continue his work resolutely.
Approach to the United States
Pro-negotiation government camp
Iran remains committed to pursuing dialogue to safeguard its rights and will use the MoU as the basis, matching its commitments to the level of US compliance.
Skeptics of the MoU path
If the other side seeks to resort to force, Iran will not acquiesce, and the basis for Iran's action will eventually be Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's decisions.
- Key figure
- President Masoud Pezeshkian
- Agreement
- Memorandum of understanding (MoU) on ending the war, signed in June
- Scope
- All fronts of the war, including Lebanon
- Negotiation window
- 60-day period to reach a final agreement
- Iran's stance
- Commitments matched to US compliance; no acquiescence to force
- Decision authority
- Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
- Current status
- Talks' fate uncertain due to recent regional escalation
