"When issues can be resolved through dialogue, we should not resort to violence", Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview with Fox News broadcast on 24/9.

The interview was conducted after Pezeshkian addressed the United Nations General Assembly, affirming that Iran would "not kneel" to pressure from the United States, despite President Donald Trump's threat to "destroy the Islamic Republic".

President Pezeshkian believes the war the United States is "imposing on Iran" is a consequence of "provocative actions from Israel".

"We do not want to continue the war. The United States must be the one to choose whether they want to end this", he said, adding that Iran is ready to reach an agreement within the framework of international law with President Trump to end the conflict.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian speaks at the United Nations headquarters in New York, US, on 23/9. *Photo: AFP*

"If they do not want that, then whether the war ends before or after the US midterm elections will make no difference to us", the Iranian President said.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously discussed with two US special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, through intermediaries, on the sidelines of the General Assembly session in New York. However, these discussions have not yielded any immediate breakthroughs.

These contacts occurred after senior Iranian officials declared that their delegation in New York had full authority to pursue diplomatic efforts, describing it as a "golden opportunity" for Washington to return to the negotiating table.

On 16/9, Iran sent its latest proposal to the United States through intermediaries regarding a potential agreement to end the standoff. In it, Tehran stated it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts the blockade on Iranian seaports.

The Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departs after Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian's speech at the UN headquarters in New York, US, on 23/9. *Photo: AFP*

The conflict between the United States and Iran shows no signs of ending after nearly 7 months of fighting. Alongside on-the-ground pressure, the United States announced expanded sanctions at the end of August to "choke" Iran's economy.

Meanwhile, Iran appears undeterred by the risk of further sanctions and has announced a two-year plan to cope. The Middle Eastern nation has withstood numerous international sanctions over decades.

By Ngoc Anh (AFP, Reuters)