Iran Sends US Response as Its President Says Talks Don't Mean Surrender

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that engaging in peace talks does not mean the nation intends to “surrender or retreat” as Tehran issues a response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal.

The U.S. and Iran have remained locked in negotiations for around a month, initiating talks on April 12 after agreeing to a temporary ceasefire in order to reach a longer-lasting peace deal.

Iran on Sunday sent the U.S. its response to the latest ceasefire proposal, as conveyed through Pakistani mediators, but Pezeshkian stressed that negotiations are not the same as surrendering to the U.S.

“We will never bow our heads before the enemy, and if talk of dialogue or negotiation arises, it does not mean surrender or retreat,” Pezeshkian wrote on X, translated from Farsi. “Rather, the goal is to uphold the rights of the Iranian nation and to defend national interests with resolute strength.”

Iranian state media on Sunday said that the nation’s leaders seek to end the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, while the U.S. remains focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring Iran rolls back its nuclear program – and Iran would rather discuss the last point at a later time, according to the Associated Press.

Newsweek reached out to the White House and the U.S. State Department by email and submission form, respectively, on Sunday for comment.

This article includes reporting by The Associated Press.

This is a breaking new story. Updates will follow.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 8:43 AM.