World

Iran’s President Urges Peace Talks Free of Threats Amid Ongoing Conflict

By AFP

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday, October 9, 2026, that peace negotiations with Iran would succeed only if they were free of pressure and threats. The comments came as diplomatic efforts to end the seven‑month conflict, which began with U.S.‑Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have stalled since the summer. A memorandum of understanding signed in June outlined a framework for ending the conflict, but Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz led the United States to resume military operations. Recent indirect talks between Washington and Tehran held at the United Nations General Assembly failed to produce a breakthrough.

Pezeshkian delivered his remarks at a Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Turkmenistan, stating, "Dialogue holds meaning and a chance of success only when based on mutual respect and mutual commitments, and when devoid of pressure and threat." He added that sanctions on Iran would impact regional trade, connectivity, energy, and order. Earlier that week, he described talks with the United States as worthless, claiming they only resulted in renewed attacks. "With an enemy that every day resorts to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless," he said.

Washington has recently reduced military operations in favor of economic pressure and has not struck Iran since September 1. The United States and Israel maintain that the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a goal Tehran denies. Negotiations have since focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping lane that has effectively been shut down. Iran has sought control over the lane, striking vessels that transit without its authorization, while the U.S. has imposed a counter‑blockade of Iranian ports and struck vessels it claims violate it.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pezeshkian on Thursday, October 8, and said he would do everything possible to help end the war. Putin stated, "We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation," and noted a "positive evolution" in Iran‑Russia relations. The two countries, heavily sanctioned by the West, have strengthened diplomatic and military ties since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.

Pezeshkian told state media that every time Iran negotiates with the United States, the U.S. attacks again. He urged for a "final framework" to end the war and accused the United States of trying to impose its policies on all countries. "If the United States insists on pursuing a unilateral approach, a resolution will not be possible," he said.

The CIS, established in 1991, serves as a platform for dialogue among former Soviet republics. Some member states have withdrawn, including Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. The summit coincides with stalled diplomatic efforts to resolve Russia’s offensive in Ukraine, with both sides intensifying attacks.

Published – October 09, 2026 11:24 pm IST