Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has indicated a possible path toward diplomacy in an open letter addressed to the American public, stating that continued confrontation is increasingly costly and ineffective.
In the letter, released on Wednesday, Pezeshkian said “the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before,” while suggesting that engagement could shape a better future.
“Today, the world stands at a crossroads,” he wrote. “The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come.”
The message came just hours before US President Donald Trump was scheduled to address the nation with what he described as an important update on the ongoing war. Earlier, Trump had claimed that Iran was seeking a ceasefire, a statement later dismissed by Iran’s foreign ministry as “false and baseless.”
While the tone of the letter leaned toward diplomacy, it also carried elements of defiance. Pezeshkian highlighted Iran’s history of resisting foreign aggression, stating that the country has never initiated war but has consistently defended itself against attacks.
The letter did not outline specific steps toward ending the conflict, and it remains unclear whether it reflects a unified position within Iran’s leadership.
Under Iran’s political system, ultimate authority rests with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has final say on major decisions such as negotiations and war strategy.
Since the conflict began, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps has also gained increased influence, with senior military figures playing a more prominent role in directing operations.
There has been no official response from Tehran regarding a reported 15-point peace plan proposed by the United States. However, Trump has indicated that potential talks could involve senior US officials if negotiations move forward.
Pezeshkian recently held a phone conversation with European Council President António Costa, during which he stated that Iran would be willing to end the war if key conditions are met, including guarantees to prevent future aggression.
The letter also addressed long-standing tensions between Iran and the United States, while drawing a distinction between the American government and its people.
“The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe or neighboring countries,” he said.
He defended Iran’s military actions as legitimate self-defense, insisting they were not acts of aggression.
“What Iran has done and continues to do — is a measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense, and by no means an initiation of war or aggression.”