MWE Correspondent
The United States and Iran have held lengthy diplomatic talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with mediators shuttling between the two delegations as efforts intensify to find a way out of the ongoing conflict.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions were conducted through mediators and described the latest round as “constructive and promising,” adding that mediation efforts would continue.
“Today, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, we engaged in lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through the mediators, who shuttled between the two sides throughout the day,” Witkoff said.
The talks marked a significant diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran after months of escalating tensions. US President Donald Trump also said the discussions had been productive and indicated that further negotiations could take place.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was involved on the Iranian side, while Witkoff and Jared Kushner represented the US side. Reports initially differed over whether the two delegations met directly, but Iranian state media confirmed contact between Araghchi and Witkoff in New York.
Tehran has maintained that any diplomatic settlement must address several conditions. Iranian officials have said these include lifting the US naval blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets and ending hostilities across what Tehran describes as the “resistance” fronts.
Iran has also linked the negotiations to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. A senior Iranian official said Tehran could reopen the waterway within seven days if Washington reduced military pressure and lifted its blockade of Iranian ports.
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The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in the confrontation because of its importance to global oil and gas shipments. Disruptions in the waterway have contributed to volatility in international energy markets, making any diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran closely watched by governments and financial markets.
The renewed talks came shortly after Trump used his UN General Assembly address to warn Iran while also leaving open the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Trump said he faced a choice between reaching a deal and taking further action against Tehran, while maintaining that the United States would not accept Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran, meanwhile, has continued to argue that diplomacy remains possible if Washington changes its approach and addresses Tehran’s demands. Iranian officials have described the UN General Assembly as an opportunity to revive negotiations, while insisting that any agreement must include concrete measures rather than promises alone.
Regional countries are also playing a role in the diplomatic effort. Qatar has been involved in mediating between Washington and Tehran, while other Gulf states and regional governments have pushed for de-escalation and the protection of commercial shipping.
Qatar has also been discussing measures aimed at reducing tensions and safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional diplomacy has gained urgency as governments seek to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the Middle East.
The latest discussions have not yet produced a publicly announced agreement, and major differences remain between the two sides over military activity, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
Nevertheless, the continuation of mediation in New York provides a new diplomatic channel at a time when the conflict has placed significant pressure on regional security, global energy supplies and international markets.
With world leaders gathered for the 81st UN General Assembly, the US-Iran talks have emerged as one of the central diplomatic developments, with mediators expected to continue efforts to determine whether the latest contacts can lead to a broader agreement and an end to the hostilities.
