U.S. and Iran officials meet in New York, eyeing end to Gulf war

U.S. and Iran officials meet – agenda and stakes

In a rare diplomatic burst, U.S. and Iran officials meet in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, seeking a pathway to end the ↑ 7-month Gulf conflict. President Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner sat across from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for a ↓ 3-hour session, according to statements released on Reuters. Trump later told Arab leaders that “there’s a lot of momentum for a deal,” echoing remarks made at his UN address.

Tehran’s conditions

Iranian state television said the talks were driven by Tehran’s demand to lift the naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, unfreeze frozen assets and halt hostilities on all fronts. The delegation signaled willingness to reopen the strait if the United States meets these points.

“We will get it done one way or another,” Trump asserted, emphasizing that the upcoming U.S. midterms would not sway the policy.

Regional reactions

King Abdullah of Jordan, speaking to Bloomberg, urged “utmost restraint” and pledged continued coordination with Washington. Arab leaders gathered later that day to discuss collective pressure on Tehran.

Analysts warn that while the meeting marks the first high‑level contact since June, concrete steps remain elusive. The United Nations venue may provide the only opening to break the stalemate before the conflict escalates further.