Iran’s Pezeshkian criticises ‘non-constructive, contradictory’ signals from Washington

TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticised “unconstructive and contradictory” signals by the US, saying they carry a “bitter message”.

“Honouring commitments is the basis of meaningful dialogue, he says on X.

“Deep historical mistrust in Iran toward [the] US [government] conduct remains, while unconstructive and contradictory signals from American officials carry a bitter message; they seek Iran’s surrender. Iranians do not submit to force.”

Iran will try to end the war with ‘integrity, wisdom and expediency’: @drpezeshkianhttps://t.co/J7g2fnx7NV pic.twitter.com/50A0XXcVO4

— IRNA News Agency ☫ (@IrnaEnglish) April 20, 2026

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that his country will try to end the Middle East war with “integrity, wisdom and expediency”, state-run news agency IRNA reports.

“Today, we are endeavouring to manage these difficult circumstances through prudence, wisdom, and the preservation of national honour, so that we may subsequently focus on reconstruction and problem-solving through precise planning,” the Iranian president has said.

Pezeshkian said Iran would seek to end the war imposed on the country by the US and the Israeli regime while preserving national honour.

Pezeshkian made the remarks during a visit to a fire station, where he expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel, particularly during the 40-day war.

During the visit, the president received a briefing on the services provided by firefighting units to the public throughout the war.

Referring to the economic and social consequences of the conflict, Pezeshkian said, “It is natural that after the conclusion of hostilities, the country will face challenges in reconstruction, securing financial resources, and market control. These are realities that require meticulous management and public cooperation.”

He emphasised that overcoming these hardships would not be possible without public participation and solidarity.

Iran reopens main airports in Tehran: aviation authority

Meanwhile, Iran has reopened its main Imam Khomeini and Mehrabad airports in the capital Tehran, the country’s aviation authority says, after closures caused by the weeks-long war with the United States and Israel, according to AFP.

“Authorisation for passenger flights at Imam Khomeini International Airport and Mehrabad Airport has been issued”, the Civil Aviation Organisation has said in a statement, according to the ISNA news agency.

It adds that passenger flights from 10 airports across Iran “will also be possible from Saturday”.