US and Iranian officials held a rare three-hour meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss ending the nearly seven-month war. President Donald Trump described the encounter between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian representatives as very good, noting that a further meeting is expected in the very near future. While Iran had previously hinted at reviving negotiations, no direct meetings between Trump and Pezeshkian are planned in New York.
During a 37-minute speech to the assembly, President Trump presented a choice between offering Iran a deal to rebuild or opting to annihilate the Islamic Republic. He warned that he could drive them into hell with no chance of survival, a statement that saw most of Iran's delegation walk out. Trump accused Iran of behaving badly and stalling on a deal to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, describing the regime as weak and desperate.
Iran's Armed Forces dismissed Trump's remarks as propaganda, stating they stand ready to inflict more blows on aggressors. However, senior Iranian officials indicated a willingness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US takes steps to ease pressure on Tehran. President Trump suggested a deal may be possible after the midterm elections, though he maintained that those elections would not sway his approach to the war.
The events unfolded as UN Secretary General António Guterres called on the assembly to end conflicts. Trump's speech also included self-praise for a security deal signed with Greenland and Denmark.