Iran's delegation to the UN General Assembly has no talks planned with the United States, according to the country's state media. This statement comes after US President Donald Trump said he expected more negotiations between the two nations. The official IRNA news agency cited an unnamed source close to the Iranian delegation, emphasizing that their views and positions had been conveyed clearly to the US side through a Qatari mediator.
The development is a setback to Trump's hopes for renewed talks, which he mentioned to media outlet Axios on Sunday. Trump had expressed optimism about resuming negotiations, but Iran appears to be firm in its stance. The Iranian delegation is set to return to Tehran on Tuesday, further indicating that no immediate negotiations are planned.
Iran had presented a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that accounts for roughly 20 percent of the world's oil and gas flow, within seven days. However, Trump rejected this proposal on Saturday. The strait has been at the center of the conflict between Iran and the US, with Tehran imposing a chokehold on the waterway and Washington responding with a blockade of Iranian ports.
According to IRNA, Iran's delegation conveyed that the country's views were made clear through a Qatari mediator. Tehran demands a seven-day ceasefire across the Middle East, including in Lebanon, where its ally Hezbollah is regularly bombarded by Israel. Additionally, Iran seeks the unfreezing of its foreign assets, lifting of sanctions on its oil sector, and an end to the US naval blockade.
The conflict between Iran and the US began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, leading to Tehran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz. Despite Trump's rejection of Iran's demands, fighting has slowed, with no US strikes on Iran since September 1. However, vessels have regularly been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, indicating ongoing tensions.
Axios reported that indirect talks mediated by Qatar could take place as early as Monday, but this seems unlikely given Iran's firm stance. Previous discussions between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi did not yield any significant results. The Iranian delegation's return to Tehran on Tuesday further casts doubt on the possibility of imminent negotiations.
The situation remains tense, with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah stating that Israel is unable to 'break' the group on the anniversary of his killing. Meanwhile, Washington has denounced Iran's truce proposal as 'cynical', and Turkey's ruling-party deputy chair has stepped down after share trading allegations. The international community remains cautious, as Riyadh schools adopt remote learning for a week and Yemeni airstrikes hit Houthi positions in Taiz and Saada.
Key points
- Iran's state media reports no plans for negotiations with the US.
- US President Donald Trump had expected renewed talks with Iran.
- Iran demands a seven-day ceasefire and lifting of sanctions in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
