Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for ending the current conflict with the United States, arguing that Iran currently holds strategic leverage and global recognition, according to a report by the semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency.

This statement aligns with positions previously held by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials advocating for diplomacy following the collapse of a prior ceasefire, while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reported to be preparing new economic sanctions.

An Arabic-language headline posits that Iran may be preparing for a potential escalation, although this remains an unverified assertion. The reference to ongoing diplomatic efforts suggests a context of continued regional engagement, but specific preparations for conflict have not been independently confirmed.

Iran stated on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz "will not be opened" until U.S. commitments, such as lifting sanctions and releasing frozen assets, are fulfilled, while President Trump asserted that the strait remains open and operational under a continued U.

S. naval blockade. Independent reporting from CNN indicates that despite competing official claims, evidence suggests the United States maintains significant control over the waterway via naval patrols.

Shipping data indicates a reduction in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb amid security concerns, with Chinese shipping firms reportedly halting operations in these waters since late July. While US President Donald Trump stated the strait was open and denied ongoing talks with Iran, Iranian authorities maintain that it remains blocked to shipping.