Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Wednesday that any attempts by the United States or Israel to force Iran to “surrender” are “destined to fail,” hardening Tehran’s public position just as speculation mounts over a potential resumption of peace talks.
Speaking at a meeting with Tehran’s emergency service officials, Pezeshkian said Iran was not seeking war or instability, but stressed that “the Iranian nation will never accept such an approach.” He said Tehran had “always stressed the need for constructive talks and interactions with various countries.”
The statement comes as President Trump signalled earlier Wednesday that Iran war talks could resume within days — a claim Tehran has not publicly confirmed. Pezeshkian’s defiant tone contrasts sharply with Trump’s expressed optimism about a quick end to the conflict.
Washington has not renewed a 30-day waiver on Iranian oil sanctions and let a similar Russian oil waiver expire last weekend, stepping up economic pressure under what the US has branded “Operation Economic Fury.”
Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium remain the central stumbling block in negotiations. The previous round of talks in Islamabad collapsed over the nuclear enrichment issue, with Washington demanding a complete halt and Tehran insisting on its right to peaceful nuclear energy.
For Sri Lanka, the diplomatic impasse has direct consequences. The ongoing Hormuz disruption continues to drive elevated fuel costs and supply rationing across the island.
