'Hated in world': Iran claims victory, but its president has message for hardliners in own land

TEHRAN, IRAN: Amid the uncertainty around the war status between the US and Iran, Iran's president Masoud Pezeshkian wants the months-long conflict to end now as Washington prepares for economic restrictions on Iran like never before.

The agreed 60-day time period between the US and Iran to secure a permanent ceasefire ended on Monday, August 17, with no concrete deal.

Only a day later, President Donald Trump acknowledged that there was no talk going on between the two parties.

Iranian president wants war to end with dignity

Now, the president of Iran has advised his country to end the war, while saying they are in a dignified position. He also took aim at people "sitting outside the circle."

His remark came only two days after President Trump announced unprecedented sanctions on Iran, declaring "economic war" as a new strategy against the Islamic country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the war to end during a speech at the General Assembly of the Islamic Association of the Medical Society of Iran on Friday, August 21.

"It is better to end the war today, when we are in power and dignity, and the whole world acknowledges our victory and emphasizes that America, contrary to all regulations, attacked our schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, and is hated in the world," Pezeshkian said, according to a translation of a text copy of his speech posted to an Iranian state media website.

Masoud Pezeshkian takes jibe at people 'sitting outside the circle'

During the speech, Pezeshkian apparently acknowledged that hardliners in his own country are playing a role in the continued war, calling them people “sitting outside the circle” who “have not experienced any suffering or hardship.”

“In the meantime, some people are sitting outside the circle; because they do not know the state of the government, the state of the parliament, and the state of the commanders, they make comments and analysis, even though they have not experienced any suffering or hardship, and then they talk about the cost,” the Iranian president said.

Further addressing the hardliners as “they,” Pezeshkian said, “They do not find a single clause in this agreement that indicates a commitment; all commitments are related to the other party.”

The president also acknowledged the financial toll the war has taken on Iran.

"Criticizing the problems of inflation and issues arising from the war is not consistent with the slogans of some. When we chant slogans, we must also accept their severity," he added.

60-day deadline expires as sanctions loom

Around two months ago, both parties had agreed upon 14 points, and a commitment from both sides to hold further talks on a final agreement in the next 60 days.

However, earlier this week, the peace talks between the parties fell apart.

On Wednesday, President Trump announced that America would impose unprecedented economic sanctions on Iran and fight the battle on the economic front.