On August 21, 2026, Iranian media focused on President Pezeshkian's call to end the war with the US while Iran holds a position of strength, a message echoed by state-aligned and reformist outlets. Concurrently, foreign Persian media highlighted US Treasury Secretary Bessent's vow to collapse Iran's regime through unprecedented sanctions, and the FBI's warning of potential Iranian drone attacks on California. The day also saw reports of the collapse of Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz, with a White House official stating negotiations fell apart weeks ago. State-aligned outlets emphasized Iran's military readiness and defiance, while reformist media covered the arrest of a former Iranian ambassador in London over the AMIA bombing. The economic war and naval blockade remained central themes, with reduced Iranian oil exports to China and US Navy assistance to commercial ships in the strait.