Iran should use its current strong position in the war to negotiate a deal with the United States, former Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said.
In an opinion piece published in the American journal Foreign Affairs on Thursday, Zarif called on Iran to offer limits on its nuclear programme and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the complete lifting of sanctions.
“Iran should use its upper hand not to keep fighting but to declare victory and make a deal that both ends this conflict and prevents the next one,” he wrote.
Zarif also suggested that Iran should be ready to accept a mutual non-aggression pact with the US and develop economic ties.
‘War Must End in Line with Iran’s Interests’
The former diplomat argued that while continuing the fight against the US and Israel might feel satisfying, it would only lead to more destruction of civilian lives and infrastructure.
This is one of the first public calls from a senior Iranian figure for a negotiated end to the war, even as top military and political leaders continue to push for continued fighting until the US is defeated.
However, US President Donald Trump has spoken of ongoing talks with Tehran but has also repeatedly threatened to send Iran “back to the Stone Age” if it does not agree to American terms.
