Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, classified as having a centrist and reformist bent, signaled a desire to end the war, saying, "Continuing down the path of confrontation is more costly and more meaningless than ever."
On the 1st (local time), President Pezeshkian conveyed this view in an open letter addressed to Americans, saying, "The choice between confrontation and communication is a practical and weighty matter, and its outcome will determine the future of generations to come."
President Pezeshkian said, "Iranians harbor no hostility toward other countries, including the United States, Europe, and neighbors," and argued, "The perception that portrays Iran as a threat is a product of great powers' need to create enemies to maintain military superiority and to dominate strategic markets."
He continued, "In this context, the United States has concentrated the largest number of troops, bases, and military capabilities around Iran," adding, "Any country facing such a situation would strengthen its defenses."
Pezeshkian also said, "We must not underestimate the destructive and inhumane impact of sanctions, war, and invasion on the lives of Iranians," adding, "Recent airstrikes have a grave impact on people's lives, attitudes, and perspectives."
He also placed responsibility for the current war on the United States. "Carrying out two attacks during negotiations was a destructive choice by the U.S. government," he said, raising the question, "Did the United States embark on this invasion under the influence and direction of the Israeli regime?"
However, given that the Seohan Engineering & Construction unfolded in a relatively matter-of-fact tone without vitriolic denunciations, President Pezeshkian is seen as signaling the possibility of a cease-fire and an end to the war. The previous day, in a currency with European Council President António Costa (EU), he also expressed a desire to end the war.
Still, it is unclear whether Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) military, which holds the real key in this war, or newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, share the same stance. Known as hard-liners, they are said to prefer a full-scale war of resistance over surrender.
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Iran's New Regime President just asked the United States for a cease-fire," adding, "He is far less radical and smarter than his predecessors."