Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 3 November 2026 declared that his administration will pursue diplomatic solutions to resolve problems attributed to 'enemies,' while firmly stating that Iran will not be forced into submission. Speaking at a meeting with the country's governors and mayors in Tehran, Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has granted the government specific authorities to pursue these diplomatic avenues.

Key Statements from Pezeshkian

The Iranian president underscored that no party benefits from war, and that the 'enemies' — a term Iranian officials use to refer primarily to the United States and Israel — will not succeed in compelling Iran to surrender. Pezeshkian specifically accused Washington of attempting to disrupt Iran's cross-border trade with neighbouring countries, vowing to 'foil the enemies' plot with the people's cooperation and companionship.'

Diplomacy at a Critical Juncture

Also on Monday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described Qatar- and Pakistan-mediated consultations aimed at ending regional hostilities as 'extremely intensive,' citing the sensitivity and urgency of the current circumstances. Speaking at the end of his visit to Turkmenistan, Araghchi said, 'Exchange of visits by delegations is evident, and tens of phone conversations are being held among the parties, and numerous messages are being exchanged.'

Araghchi reiterated Tehran's dual posture of readiness for both diplomacy and defence, noting that the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global oil chokepoint — would reopen if Iran's conditions are accepted. He also warned that any further military escalation by Washington would draw a 'far more bitter and severe' response.

Background: How the Conflict Unfolded

On 28 February, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran retaliated with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory and US military bases and assets across the region, while simultaneously tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire was reached between the warring parties on 8 April. Subsequently, on 18 June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities on all fronts across the region.

Stalled Nuclear Talks and Unresolved Tensions

Under the terms of the MoU, both nations were required to hold negotiations within 60 days — a window that closed on 17 August — to reach a final agreement on Iran's nuclear programme and the removal of sanctions. However, according to reports, the two sides failed to make sufficient progress toward a deal as tensions continued to escalate. On 22 September, Iran reportedly conveyed a seven-day proposal to the United States through mediators to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though a comprehensive agreement remains elusive.

With diplomatic channels still active but a final deal out of reach, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the region moves toward a lasting settlement or a renewed cycle of escalation.