Washington has urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy.
(AFP) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that it was time to end the months-long Middle East war with the United States because Tehran was in a position of strength over Washington.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity, and the whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasizes that America has attacked our schools, hospitals and infrastructure in violation of all regulations and is hated around the world,” he said during a meeting with doctors.
His comments came after Iran’s Foreign Ministry accused the U.S. of “economic terrorism” and “crimes against humanity” after Washington said it would ramp up sanctions to increase pressure on Tehran.
“The perpetrators and instigators of these sanctions are deserving of trial and punishment for committing such heinous crimes,” the ministry said in a statement carried by state media.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday vowed that Washington would “collapse” the Iranian regime with its threatened campaign, nearly six months into the war.
China also criticized the move, saying U.S. “sanctions and pressure” would not resolve the Middle East conflict.
Washington had urged other governments, including Beijing, to join efforts to isolate the Iranian economy.
Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters Friday that “sanctions and pressure will not help resolve the issue.”
“China calls on all relevant parties to take responsible measures and resolve the problem through political and diplomatic means,” he said.
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