New York: US President Donald Trump said American and Iranian officials held a three-hour meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, describing the discussions as “very good” and “very productive” as diplomatic efforts continue amid the conflict between the two countries.
Trump made the comments on Tuesday after the meeting, saying it had concluded about an hour before he spoke to reporters. He said another round of discussions was expected “in the very near future.”
Who Took Part in the Talks?
The discussions involved US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to reports. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was also involved on the Iranian side, with mediators helping facilitate communication between the two sides.
Witkoff later described the discussions as lengthy and said mediators had moved between the two sides during the day. He expressed hope that the talks would prove constructive and promising.
Trump Calls Talks ‘Very Good’
Trump told reporters that the meeting lasted approximately three hours and repeatedly described it positively.
The US president also said Washington and Tehran face major choices over how to resolve their dispute. His comments came shortly after his address to the UN General Assembly, where he warned that the conflict could either move toward an agreement or further escalation.
Trump had earlier said that US and Iranian officials were continuing to communicate and that he believed a settlement could eventually be reached. He also reiterated that Washington would not accept Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Strait of Hormuz Emerges as Key Issue
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the central issues surrounding the negotiations. Iranian officials have discussed conditions under which the strategically important waterway could be reopened, while the US has pushed for progress toward ending the wider conflict.
The strait is a critical route for global energy shipments, meaning any sustained disruption has consequences beyond the region.
No Major Breakthrough Announced
Despite Trump’s positive description of the meeting, no major agreement was announced immediately afterward. Reports indicated that the talks focused on possible conditions for ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with further discussions expected.
Iranian and US officials have yet to publicly announce a comprehensive agreement emerging from the latest meeting.
The talks nevertheless mark an important new round of diplomatic contact between Washington and Tehran. The next meeting and the positions presented by both sides could determine whether the latest engagement develops into broader negotiations.
What Happens Next?
Trump has indicated that further talks are expected soon, while US envoy Steve Witkoff has said mediators will continue working between the two sides. The immediate focus is likely to remain on the conflict, Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
For now, Trump’s description of the three-hour meeting as “very good” signals a more positive tone from Washington, but the absence of a concrete agreement means the diplomatic process remains ongoing.
