Donald Trump said Iranian officials met US special envoy Steve Witkoff for three hours on the sidelines of the UN general assembly, with a further meeting expected in the near future.
Key facts
- Iranian officials held three hours of talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Donald Trump.
- The talks took place on the sidelines of the UN general assembly.
- Trump said a further meeting would follow in the very near future.
- A senior Iranian official indicated willingness to reopen the strait of Hormuz if the US eases pressure on Tehran, according to the Guardian.
Iranian officials held three hours of talks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff on the sidelines of the UN general assembly, President Donald Trump disclosed on Tuesday, according to the Guardian.
Trump said there would be a further meeting between the two sides in the very near future, signalling that the contact could continue beyond the initial discussions held during the summit.
The talks reflect ongoing diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran, with the meeting taking place against the backdrop of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations.
According to the Guardian, a senior Iranian official indicated a willingness to reopen the strait of Hormuz if the US takes steps to ease pressure on Tehran, suggesting that both sides may be exploring conditions for de-escalation.
No further details on the substance of the talks, the officials involved beyond Witkoff, or the timing of the next meeting were provided in the reporting available.
Why it matters
Direct contact between US and Iranian officials is closely watched because relations between the two countries have long been tense. Any movement on issues such as the strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, could have significant implications for regional security and energy markets.
Frequently asked questions
Who represented the United States in the talks with Iran?
According to the Guardian, US special envoy Steve Witkoff took part in the three hours of talks with Iranian officials.
Where did the talks take place?
The talks were held on the sidelines of the UN general assembly, as disclosed by Donald Trump.
What did Iran signal regarding the strait of Hormuz?
A senior Iranian official indicated a willingness to reopen the strait of Hormuz if the US takes steps to ease pressure on Tehran, according to the Guardian.