By George Omagbemi
The United States and Iranian officials have held their first talks since June, in a dramatic diplomatic development at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, hours after US President Donald Trump issued a fresh threat against Tehran.
The discussions took place on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as world leaders gathered for the UN General Assembly. Trump later said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held a three-hour meeting with the Iranian delegation, describing it as “very good” and productive.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was involved on the Iranian side. US envoy Witkoff subsequently said the two sides had engaged in lengthy discussions through mediators who moved between the delegations.
The talks came shortly after Trump addressed the UN General Assembly and warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if an agreement to end the conflict was not reached.
Iran has linked any diplomatic progress to demands including an end to US military pressure and the lifting of restrictions affecting its economy and shipping.
The talks represent a significant diplomatic contact after months of escalating tensions and conflict. However, no breakthrough agreement has been announced, and the positions of Washington and Tehran remain substantially apart.
The unexpected engagement has nevertheless reopened a diplomatic channel as international pressure grows for an end to the conflict.
Leave a Reply