Iran to the US: The Choice to End the War Is Yours, Not Ours
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has made it clear that Tehran does not wish to continue its conflict with the United States, but the decision to end the bloodshed rests entirely in Washington's hands. In a defiant yet pragmatic address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Pezeshkian insisted that Iran remains ready to negotiate, even as he refused to bow to American pressure.
Speaking on Fox News' Special Report with Bret Baier, Pezeshkian framed the war as one imposed on Iran by Israeli instigation, not a conflict Tehran sought.
“When we can resolve issues through dialogue, we shouldn't resort to killing one another. But with the instigations conducted by Israel, they have imposed this war on us,”he said.
“But we do not wish to continue. It's America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not.”
Iran's Open Hand, America's Closed Fist
Pezeshkian's remarks come after a week of high-stakes diplomacy in New York, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with US President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Despite the talks, no breakthrough emerged. Pezeshkian pointed to the collapse of a previous ceasefire as evidence of Washington's bad faith, asking,
“Why is it that within two weeks after the signing of an agreement, they chose to blow it up?”
For the Global South and nations that have long endured the weight of Western militarism, Pezeshkian's stance resonates. Iran is not asking for favours. It is demanding that the United States take responsibility for its own aggression. The moral calculus is simple: if Washington wants peace, it must act like it.
The Houthis: Independent Resistance or Iranian Puppets?
As Saudi Arabia and its Yemeni allies continue to wage war against the Houthi movement, Western and Gulf powers have been quick to blame Tehran. But Pezeshkian rejected these accusations outright.
“The Houthis are responsible for their own actions. They don't take directions from us as those who are resisting in the region, based on the situations that have been imposed on them,”he said.
“We have contacts with them. There is no systematic relationship.”
This is a critical distinction. The Houthis, like many resistance movements across the region, are not mere proxies. They are responding to a brutal Saudi-led campaign that has devastated Yemen for years. To reduce their struggle to Iranian manipulation is to ignore the very real grievances that fuel their fight.
The Red Sea Blockade: A Strategic Blow to Saudi Hegemony
The Houthi naval blockade on Saudi Arabia has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. By targeting Saudi tankers and seizing control of Yemen's Red Sea coast, the Houthis have struck at the heart of Saudi oil exports, driving energy prices upward. This is not just a military tactic; it is a political statement against a regime that has used its oil wealth to bankroll destruction across the region.
For those of us who have watched the Global South rise against imperial overreach, the Houthi gains are a reminder that resistance, however uneven, can shift the balance of power. The waterways of the Gulf are no longer the exclusive playground of Western-backed monarchies.
What Does This Mean for Africa and the Global South?
The Iran-US standoff is not a distant conflict. It is a reflection of a broader struggle between nations that refuse to bend to Western dictates and empires that refuse to let go. For South Africa, a country that knows the cost of colonial and apartheid violence, the parallels are unmistakable.
Pezeshkian's message is clear: dialogue is possible, but it must be grounded in mutual respect, not coercion. The United States must choose between endless war and genuine diplomacy. The ball is in Washington's court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iran ready to negotiate with the United States?
Yes. President Pezeshkian has stated that Iran is prepared to strike a deal with President Trump to end the conflict, but he insists that the United States must honour its commitments and stop undermining agreements.
Does Iran control the Houthi movement in Yemen?
No. Pezeshkian has categorically denied that the Houthis take direction from Tehran. While Iran has contacts with the group, he described the relationship as non-systematic and insisted the Houthis act on their own accord.
Why did the previous ceasefire fail?
Pezeshkian blamed the collapse on the United States and Israel, accusing them of blowing up the agreement within two weeks of its signing. He argues that Washington's actions, not Iran's, are the primary obstacle to peace.