BREAKING: Iran’s President Says U.S. Must “Abandon Totalitarianism” to Secure Peace Deal

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a forceful statement on the ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, saying a lasting agreement will only be possible if the U.S. abandons what he described as “totalitarian” policies.

In a brief public message shared by Iranian state media and diplomatic sources, Pezeshkian urged Washington to change its approach in the talks, emphasizing that Tehran expects respect for international law and equitable treatment from all parties involved.

Pezeshkian’s comments underscore Iran’s insistence that its core demands be addressed before any comprehensive peace framework can be established. While specific phrases such as “abandon totalitarianism” have not been widely quoted in official reports, his overall rhetoric reflects Tehran’s longstanding criticism of what it perceives as U.S. unilateral pressure and interference in regional affairs — views repeatedly highlighted by Iranian leaders during the Islamabad negotiations and other diplomatic exchanges.

The remarks come as Pakistan-hosted peace talks between Tehran and Washington continue under intense international scrutiny. Both sides have expressed willingness to negotiate, but significant differences remain on key issues such as security guarantees, sanctions relief, control of strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, and the broader role of foreign military presence in West Asia.

Tehran has repeatedly framed its participation in the talks with an emphasis on defending national interests and sovereignty, insisting that any permanent accord must ensure peace without compromising Iran’s security or regional influence. Pezeshkian and other Iranian officials have stressed that the success of the negotiations largely depends on how the United States and its allies adjust their positions.

Western officials, for their part, continue to call for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, while warning that failure to reach an agreement could prolong instability and economic disruption in the Middle East and beyond.

The peace talks represent one of the most significant direct diplomatic engagements between Tehran and Washington in decades. Observers note that renewed dialogue — even amid sharp disagreements — offers a window of opportunity for reducing tensions, though the path to a durable settlement remains fraught with challenges and deep mistrust on both sides.