Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that military action will aggravate what he termed Washington’s “self-created problems,” even as Tehran signalled readiness to continue peace talks amid escalating regional tensions.
In a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Pezeshkian said Iran remains committed to diplomacy as the preferred path to resolve disputes. He stressed that “threats, pressure and military action” are unhelpful and called on Europe to press the United States to adhere to international laws and regulations.
The remarks come on the 46th day of the ongoing conflict, which has now transformed from missile attacks to hitting the country economically by blockading Iranian ports, as Iran begins assessing the scale of damage caused by the war. According to Iranian media reports, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said preliminary estimates place losses at around USD 270 billion, though the figure remains subject to revision.
The assessment includes damage to infrastructure, economic losses from industrial shutdowns, and broader disruptions. Tehran is also pushing to include reparations as part of any future settlement, an issue raised during recent indirect talks with the United States.
Negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, have failed to bring peace or make a deal. US Vice President JD Vance said “substantive discussions” had taken place but confirmed no agreement was reached. Iranian state media indicated that messages continue to be exchanged, though there is no clarity on when formal talks may resume.
A two-week ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on April 8 is due to expire on April 22, adding urgency to diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the Strait of Hormuz following a US-imposed naval blockade. Shipping data indicates that at least four Iran-linked vessels transited the strait after the blockade came into effect.
China has condemned the move as “dangerous and irresponsible,” warning it could exacerbate tensions and undermine the fragile ceasefire. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, described the blockade as a “grave violation” of the country’s sovereignty.
In a related development, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is reported to have suspended a defence agreement with Israel, reflecting widening geopolitical fallout from the conflict.
Diplomatic activity is expected to continue, with Lebanese and Israeli envoys scheduled to meet in Washington today for talks, to be attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
With the ceasefire deadline approaching and positions hardening, the situation remains volatile, with both diplomatic and military trajectories still in play.
