US Special Envoy Steve Wittkoff announced that he had conducted lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Wittkoff expressed hope that the discussions were 'constructive and promising' and that mediators would continue their work between the two parties in the coming period. The talks were facilitated by Qatari mediators.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqai stated that Tehran had communicated with the US in New York through a Qatari mediator. Baqai said that Iran's conditions included ending the war on all fronts, stopping what it described as US 'aggressive actions', lifting the maritime blockade and economic war, and releasing Iranian frozen assets. The conditions were conveyed as part of Iran's demands for negotiations.
US President Donald Trump revealed that a meeting between Iranian and US officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York had been 'very productive'. The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was described by Trump as 'very good and very fruitful'. Trump also stated that further discussions would take place 'in the very near future'. The meeting was attended by Wittkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Wittkoff on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Araghchi informed Wittkoff of Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media reports. The conditions included the immediate lifting of the US maritime blockade, prompt payment of all frozen Iranian assets, and an end to the war on all fronts.
The developments come after Trump's address to the UN General Assembly, which focused on the ongoing conflict with Iran. Trump stated that he had two options: either to 'eliminate' Iran or reach an agreement. He expressed optimism about finding a diplomatic solution after the US legislative elections in November. The Iranian delegation's participation in the talks was seen as a positive step towards de-escalation.
Wittkoff expressed 'great optimism' about the talks, which were also attended by Kushner, who had previously engaged in negotiations with Iran before they stalled in June. The Qatari mediator played a key role in facilitating the discussions between the two parties. The talks were seen as a significant development in the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.
The meetings between US and Iranian officials took place amidst heightened tensions between the two countries. The US has maintained a tough stance on Iran, while Iran has faced significant economic challenges due to the sanctions imposed by the US. The constructive nature of the talks has raised hopes for a potential easing of tensions and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Key points
- US envoy Steve Wittkoff reports 'constructive and promising' talks with Iranian delegation in New York.
