TEHRAN — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi declared that the United States holds the choice to end the "war" with Iran, shifting responsibility for de-escalation to Washington during a public address in Tehran.
Raisi's reference to "war" encompasses the U.S. sanctions regime and proxy clashes involving Iranian-backed militias across the region. The United States maintains broad economic penalties on Iran, including restrictions on oil exports and financial transactions aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The Biden administration has largely continued the Trump-era "maximum pressure" campaign, despite initial diplomatic pledges.
Washington has demanded Iran cease support for regional militias and return to compliance with the 2015 nuclear agreement. President Donald Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, reimposing sanctions that had been lifted under the deal. U.S. officials have stated Iran must demonstrate concrete, verifiable steps toward de-escalation and nuclear transparency before any significant concessions.
Raisi's rhetoric complicates U.S. relations with regional allies. Saudi Arabia and Israel view Iran as a primary security threat and have urged Washington to maintain a firm stance. Any perceived softening of U.S. policy could alarm these partners, whose security concerns drive American military presence and strategy in the region.
The U.S. and Iran have engaged in indirect talks in Oman and Qatar focused primarily on prisoner exchanges and de-escalation, with limited progress on nuclear or broader regional security issues. The White House would face bipartisan congressional scrutiny before any significant policy shift toward Iran.
