Those two framings, Aug. 22 -- Donald Trump declared this week that the Strait of Hormuz was "American territory right now." Iran's president answered on Friday by offering to end the six-month-old war, but from what he called a position of power and dignity.

Washington insists its naval presence and escalating economic campaign are squeezing Tehran toward capitulation; Tehran insists that the absence of capitulation proves the opposite.

President Masoud Pezeshkian made the most striking statement of his administration's handling of the war on Friday, calling on both sides to bring the fighting to a close. "It is better that we bring the war to an end now as we are in a position of power and dignity," he said, in remarks addressed partl...