'Face reality': Iranian president warns officials over US strikes as Trump presses Tehran

TEHRAN, IRAN: In a major development proving the US’s edge over Iran during the 10-week-long war, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged the "harm" the Middle Eastern country had suffered from US attacks and urged his fellow officials to "face reality."

The statement came hours after President Donald Trump on Sunday, May 17, issued a fresh warning to Iran, suggesting that time was rapidly running out for Tehran as ceasefire diplomacy appeared to be hanging by a thread.

Iranian president says officials should 'face reality'

President Pezeshkian, during a meeting of the Government Information Council televised by Iranian media, admitted the losses caused by the US strikes on Iran and said that officials "should avoid any tone or voices that create division, but we must also face reality; It is not the case that we have not suffered harm.”

"Anyone in a position of leadership must speak honestly and transparently to their society and their people," Pezeshkian told officials.

"Misleading information, false messaging, or portraying a reality in which 'they are collapsing while we are prospering' is unacceptable. The truth is that both we and others face challenges," he added.

However, Pezeshkian further affirmed that Iran "will not bow to pressure."

"We will not sacrifice our country's dignity and honor for comfort or convenience. We have valid reasons and clear justification, and we are fully capable of defending our nation's rights with strength, backed by our people," he said.

Trump asks Iran to act fast as 'clock is ticking'

President Trump's Sunday warning to Iran has injected a fresh volatility in the already fragile US-Iran conflict as Trump asked Tehran to act fast.

In a direct message to Iran, Trump on Truth Social said, “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”

Trump’s warning came hours after Iranian media began releasing what it called the US’s core conditions to revive the peace negotiations with Tehran.

Among the reported conditions, Tehran would have to hand over roughly 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, drastically reduce its nuclear footprint by keeping only one operational nuclear facility, and accept that Washington will not pay compensation for damage caused during the conflict.

However, Tehran has reportedly pushed back with its own set of demands, including broad sanctions relief, the release of frozen financial assets, compensation for wartime damage, and formal recognition of its authority over the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.