Pezeshkian calls for ending war ‘from position of strength’ as Qalibaf warns Iran ‘won’t endure’ under economic stranglehold
Iranian president urges an end to the war while Tehran still has the upper hand, as parliament speaker warns military power cannot save a country whose people are hungry and economy is failing
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that Tehran should seek to end its months-long war with the United States and Israel while it remains in what he described as a position of strength, as another senior Iranian official warned that military power alone could not sustain the country without economic growth.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now, as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said during a meeting with doctors, claiming that the international community acknowledged Iran’s “victory” and accusing the United States of attacking Iranian schools, hospitals and infrastructure.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf separately stressed the link between national security and economic conditions, warning that Iran could not endure solely on the strength of its armed forces.
“No matter how much military power we have, if the people are hungry and we lack financial circulation and economic growth, we won't endure,” Qalibaf said. “Security and the economy are interdependent. If we establish security but don't sustain it with the economy, it won't last.”
Qalibaf added “As combatants, we value peace more than those who merely speak of it.”