The United States and Iran held hours of indirect talks through mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, though accounts differed on whether officials from the two sides met face‑to‑face.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said mediators “shuttled between” the American and Iranian delegations throughout Tuesday, completing a round of discussions he described as constructive. He noted that mediators would continue their work, reports Al Jazeera.
US President Donald Trump offered a more direct version, saying Witkoff and Jared Kushner had held a three‑hour meeting with Iranian officials.
Trump told reporters the talks were “very good” and “very productive,” adding that he believed there was momentum toward an agreement. The White House later clarified that Trump himself had not attended.
Iranian state media confirmed a meeting between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Witkoff, saying it was requested by Washington to convey conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Those conditions included lifting the US naval blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and ending the war against what Tehran calls “resistance” fronts.
An Iranian security source told Al Jazeera there could be room for further diplomacy if Washington met Iran’s demands. A senior Iranian official also told Reuters the delegation in New York had full authority to negotiate, calling the UN gathering a “golden opportunity” for talks.
Iran submitted its latest proposal through mediators on September 16, with details of a possible settlement to end hostilities under discussion. The official added that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US eased military pressure and lifted its blockade of Iranian ports.
