Iranian president signals readiness to end war with US from 'position of strength' as Oman mediates

In a statement carried by state media on Saturday, President Pezeshkian said Iran is prepared to negotiate an end to tensions with the United States, but only from a position of strength. The remarks come as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, discussed bilateral ties and regional developments by phone, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.

Oman has historically served as a backchannel between Tehran and Washington, facilitating indirect talks and prisoner exchanges. The call follows weeks of heightened rhetoric and military posturing in the Persian Gulf. The United States, meanwhile, is reported to be finalising a new round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil exports and entities linked to the country’s drone programme.

The timing of Pezeshkian’s comments – just as Washington tightens economic pressure – suggests Tehran is seeking to frame any future talks as a negotiation among equals rather than a concession to American demands. “We will not negotiate from a weak position,” Pezeshkian said. “The era of unilateral concessions is over.”

No official response has yet come from the White House or the State Department. However, analysts note that the Biden administration has maintained a dual-track approach of pressure and diplomacy since taking office. The new sanctions package is expected to be announced in the coming days.

The Omani mediation effort underscores the Gulf nation’s longstanding role as an honest broker. Muscat has previously hosted talks between the US and Iran, including secret negotiations that led to the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). While the JCPOA is effectively defunct after the US withdrawal in 2018, Oman continues to facilitate communication on issues ranging from regional security to the release of detained dual nationals.

Critics of engagement with Iran argue that Pezeshkian’s “position of strength” rhetoric is a negotiating tactic designed to extract concessions while Tehran keeps expanding its nuclear programme and arming proxy forces across the Middle East. Proponents of dialogue counter that sanctions alone have failed to change Iran’s behaviour and that a renewed diplomatic framework is necessary to de-escalate tensions.

For now, the ball appears to be in both capitals’ courts: Tehran signals openness to talks but on its own terms, while Washington prepares to increase economic pressure. Whether Oman’s quiet diplomacy can bridge these positions remains to be seen.

Why This Matters

The outcome of US-Iran negotiations could directly affect global oil prices, shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, and the trajectory of proxy conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
Pezeshkian’s public positioning suggests Iran is seeking to shift the narrative from one of isolated pariah to negotiating partner on equal footing, which may complicate Washington’s sanctions strategy.
If Omani mediation succeeds, it could lead to a broader thaw in relations and potentially revive talks around a new nuclear agreement. Failure risks further military escalation.

Background

Tensions between the United States and Iran have ebbed and flowed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) limited Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, but the Trump administration withdrew from the deal in 2018 and reimposed severe sanctions. Iran has since breached many of the deal’s restrictions, enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.

Oman has maintained diplomatic ties with both sides and frequently acts as a mediator. In 2023, Omani officials helped broker a prisoner swap between the US and Iran. The current escalation follows several incidents in the Gulf, including the seizure of tankers and attacks on ships linked to both nations.

President Pezeshkian, a relatively moderate figure who took office in 2024, has signalled a willingness to re-engage with the West, but faces hardliners in Iran’s parliament and security establishment who oppose any compromise with the US.

Key Perspectives

Iranian government: Tehran insists it will negotiate only from a position of strength, rejecting what it sees as US “maximum pressure” tactics. It seeks sanctions relief and recognition of its regional role before discussing nuclear limitations. United States government: Washington aims to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and curb its ballistic missile programme and support for militias. The new sanctions are designed to increase economic pain and force more favourable terms at the negotiating table. Oman as mediator: Muscat has an interest in regional stability and preserving its reputation as a neutral interlocutor. Oman’s leverage is limited; its role is to facilitate communication rather than impose outcomes. Critics/sceptics: Hardliners in both countries may view any talks as a sign of weakness. Some analysts argue that Iran’s “position of strength” rhetoric is a mask for its economic desperation, while sceptics in the US Congress warn that sanctions relief without verified nuclear rollback would be a dangerous gamble.

What to Watch

The timing and scope of the US sanctions package expected in the coming days – whether it targets individual entities or broadens restrictions on Iranian oil sales.
Whether Oman schedules a face-to-face meeting between US and Iranian officials, perhaps on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September.
Statements from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on matters of war and peace. His endorsement is critical for any substantive negotiation to proceed.
Any new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on Iran’s nuclear enrichment levels – a sharp increase could derail diplomatic efforts.
Reactions from Iran’s regional adversaries, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia, who may push for harder US action if diplomacy appears to stall.

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