World News
US and Iran hold indirect talks at UN despite sharp rhetoric
Envoys met in New York as Donald Trump threatened escalation and Tehran floated maritime conditions
The short version
- US and Iranian delegations held three hours of Qatari-mediated talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian · CBS News · PBS NewsHour]
- US President Donald Trump stated he could annihilate Iran but described the meeting as productive and anticipated a post-midterm deal.[Al Jazeera · CNBC · The Guardian · PBS NewsHour]
- A senior Iranian official indicated Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if US economic and military pressure eases, though domestic factions dispute this stance.[The Guardian]
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the assembly, rejecting threats while leaving the door open to negotiations.[The Washington Post · PBS NewsHour]
Key facts
- US and Iranian delegations held a three-hour meeting mediated by Qatari diplomats on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.[Al Jazeera · The Guardian · CBS News · PBS NewsHour]
- Donald Trump claimed he faced a choice between annihilating Iran or reaching an agreement, adding he expects a deal after the US midterm elections.[Al Jazeera · CNBC · The Guardian]
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the assembly on September 23, accusing the US of terrorism and offering diplomacy without intimidation.[The Washington Post · PBS NewsHour]
- The ongoing US blockade against Iranian oil exports has strained Tehran's domestic inflation and foreign currency reserves.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Whether Iran has officially softened its preconditions regarding the Strait of Hormuz remains contested, as media linked to the IRGC denied any shift announced by senior officials.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Iran and US hold talks on sidelines of UN summit, says TrumpThe Guardian - World
- US, Iran hold ‘very good’ talks, Trump says at UN meetingAl Jazeera
- Iran’s president tells U.N. his country ‘must be powerful so as to avoid being threatened’The Washington Post - World metered
- WATCH: Iranian President Pezeshkian addresses 2026 UN General AssemblyPBS NewsHour - World · Wire: associated-press
- U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilationCBS News - World
- Iran floats conditions for Hormuz reopening as Trump says deal could come after midtermsCNBC