Omani and Iranian foreign ministers hold a call as Washington prepares economic sanctions amid ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Published On 22 Aug 2026
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged an end to the ongoing conflict with the United States, asserting that Tehran maintains a strong position as diplomatic negotiations remain at an impasse.
“It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity,” Pezeshkian said during a meeting with doctors on Friday. “The entire world recognizes our strength and acknowledges that America has violated international norms by targeting our schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, actions that have drawn widespread condemnation.”
Pezeshkian – whose authority as president remains subordinate to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei – also defended the June memorandum of understanding signed with Washington against criticism from hardline factions in parliament, who have accused his government of making excessive concessions to the U.S.
“Critics cannot identify a single provision in this agreement that reflects capitulation. All obligations outlined in the document fall on the opposing side,” he stated.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Iran’s military leadership has recently reiterated that the nation stands prepared to retaliate against any emerging threats. Major-General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, warned through state media: “With full readiness across land, sea, air, air defense, and cyberspace, Iran’s military will confront new enemy threats with overwhelming force.”
Strait of Hormuz
On Friday, Omani and Iranian foreign ministers convened a telephone conversation to explore pathways for resuming dialogue and addressing navigation concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Oman’s state news agency.
Tehran continues to restrict access through the strategically vital waterway, while the U.S. maintains a naval presence to secure maritime traffic. According to recent reports, the U.S. Navy has been organizing and safeguarding covert tanker convoys through the southern portion of the strait, facilitating the daily export of approximately five to ten million barrels of oil.
In Washington, President Donald Trump cast doubt on Iran’s readiness to engage in meaningful negotiations, telling reporters: “It just means we’re seeing what happens.” He further asserted, “We have complete control over the entire region concerning the Strait of Hormuz, extending well into the surrounding land areas. They want to strike a deal, but they’re not prepared to make the right deal, in my view.”
Trump has also issued warnings about potential economic repercussions for any nation deemed supportive of Iran.
These statements coincide with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s pledge to “dismantle” the Iranian government through an intensified sanctions regime. Bessent is scheduled to brief the public at the Department of the Treasury on Monday, where he is anticipated to unveil new punitive measures—an apparent pivot by the Trump administration toward economic rather than military pressure as the conflict approaches its sixth month.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced the forthcoming sanctions, accusing Washington of engaging in “economic terrorism” and declaring that “those responsible for imposing such sanctions are worthy of prosecution.”
Similarly, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed disapproval of U.S. actions. Spokesman Lin Jian emphasized that “sanctions and coercion will not resolve this issue,” and called upon all involved parties to adopt responsible approaches and pursue a diplomatic solution.
