US, Iran hold mediated UNGA talks on ending war, opening Strait of Hormuz | US-Israel war on Iran News
Indirect Talks Between U.S. and Iran Occur at U.N. General Assembly
The United States and Iran engaged in several hours of indirect discussions through mediators during the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, though conflicting reports emerged regarding direct meetings between the two nations.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that mediators were “shuttling between” American and Iranian delegations throughout Tuesday’s discussions. In a post shared on social media platform X, he noted, “Today, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, we engaged in lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through the mediators.” Witkoff expressed hope for constructive outcomes and indicated that mediators would continue their work.
U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing reporters at the U.N., provided a slightly different account, claiming that Witkoff and senior adviser Jared Kushner had a direct, three-hour meeting with Iranian officials. He described the meeting as “very good” and “productive,” suggesting a favorable momentum toward an agreement. Trump later indicated that discussions were ongoing and expressed optimism about reaching a settlement.
However, Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reported confusion regarding who participated in the meeting. The White House later clarified that neither Trump nor other officials attended, confirming only Witkoff and Kushner represented the U.S.
From Tehran, Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi reported that Iranian state media confirmed a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Witkoff, marking the first direct contact after weeks of silence. An Iranian official indicated that the latest discussions were initiated by the U.S. to communicate Iran’s conditions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports from Iranian state media outlined several conditions, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to hostilities in the region. Additionally, an unidentified Iranian security source indicated that there might be opportunities for further diplomatic engagement, contingent upon the U.S. meeting Iran’s requirements.
These discussions follow a senior Iranian official’s assertion to Reuters that Iran’s delegation in New York has the authority to engage in diplomacy and views the UN gathering as a “golden opportunity” for dialogue with Washington. The official also claimed that Iran had submitted a proposal to the U.S. through mediators on September 16, suggesting that further discussions regarding a potential agreement could take place during the assembly.
Regional Powers Push for De-Escalation
The indirect talks are part of a broader diplomatic initiative involving Gulf nations and other regional powers. Qatar, in collaboration with Pakistan, is reportedly working to de-escalate tensions between the U.S. and Iran and ensure navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Araghchi in New York to discuss regional developments and the possibility of creating conditions conducive to dialogue.
Oman has also played a role in these maritime discussions, focusing on arrangements designed to facilitate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the sidelines of the UNGA, Trump met with leaders and senior officials from Gulf Cooperation Council states, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq to address Iran and regional security concerns. A proposal from Qatar for a common security framework involving Iran and Gulf nations was noted as one topic under consideration.
Trump Warns of Military Escalation Amid Talks
The backdrop to these indirect discussions included warnings from Trump during his UNGA address. He described facing a “big decision” between fostering a deal that would support Iran’s reconstruction and resorting to military action against the Islamic Republic. Trump claimed the U.S. had previously offered full economic cooperation in exchange for Iran’s cessation of its nuclear program and what the U.S. classifies as Iranian support for terrorism.
In response, Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces characterized Trump’s threats as indicative of “strategic weakness,” asserting that Iran is prepared to respond with “more severe, crushing, and unpredictable blows” to any further provocations.
U.S. officials, meanwhile, have suggested that negotiations are progressing after the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding. Trump remarked in early August that both parties had aligned on key parameters and mentioned that discussions about the Strait of Hormuz were “moving along nicely,” despite persisting significant differences. He reiterated earlier this month his hope that hostilities might be nearing an end.
In summary, while indirect dialogues continue, Iran maintains that reopening the Strait of Hormuz relies on the U.S. lifting military pressures and removing blockades on Iranian ports. Witkoff confirmed that mediators would persist in their efforts following Tuesday’s exchanges.
