TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signaled openness to serious diplomatic engagement to end the ongoing conflict, while vowing that Tehran will not compromise on its national rights, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.
Pezeshkian said Iran is ready to pursue negotiations “within the framework of international law” to halt hostilities, but described securing the country’s sovereign rights as a non-negotiable red line, according to a readout from the Iranian presidency.
The Iranian leader also voiced deep mistrust toward the United States, accusing Washington of carrying out “hostile acts” during past talks.
“This distrust is the result of hostile acts by the American side, the latest of which were two attacks on our country during negotiations, effectively stabbing us in the back,” Pezeshkian said.
Regional flashpoints and the Strait of Hormuz
The two presidents reviewed broader regional security dynamics, including developments around the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil transits. Since the outbreak of hostilities, Iran has enforced a new transit regime requiring all vessels to obtain prior permission to pass through the strait, a measure Tehran defends as a sovereign right.
Conflict origins and stalemate
The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, while nuclear negotiations were still active, according to Iranian officials. Tehran alleges the strikes included the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, multiple senior commanders, and targeted civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
A fragile temporary ceasefire, brokered in part by Pakistan, has been in place since early April. However, indirect talks between Iran and the United States remain at an impasse. Iran accuses Washington of violating the truce through a naval blockade and continued military threats.
For any lasting agreement, Tehran is demanding the lifting of the blockade, a permanent end to the war, and compensation for damages.
France has kept diplomatic channels with Tehran open throughout the conflict. Wednesday’s conversation marks the second known call between Pezeshkian and Macron since March.
