Key facts
- US and Iran held their first direct talks since June, mediated by Qatar.
- US President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran.
- The talks occurred at the UN on the sidelines of the General Assembly.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff described the discussions as "constructive and promising".
- Iran repeated its demand for the US to end its "acts of aggression".
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted global oil and LNG prices.
The US and Iran held their first direct talks since June, mediated by Qatar, as tensions escalate and US President Donald Trump issued a stark threat to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic.
US envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the UN on Tuesday, with Witkoff describing the completed round of discussions as "constructive and promising." Iran, however, reiterated its demand for the US to cease its "acts of aggression."
The conflict, which began with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28, led to Iranian retaliation including attacks on US bases and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption to a vital shipping lane, through which about 20% of the world's oil and LNG previously passed, has caused significant price volatility.
President Trump, addressing the UN General Assembly, justified the war, stating it prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and advocating for "peace through strength." He also suggested a deal with Iran might be reached after the November US Congressional elections.
Iran state TV confirmed the meeting, and foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran's conditions, including an end to the war and US "acts of aggression," were communicated through the Qatari mediator.
Since the collapse of a previous ceasefire, both sides have engaged in intermittent exchanges of fire. Iran has targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has conducted strikes on Iranian sites and tankers, and maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, severely impacting the country's economy. Trump has also threatened sanctions against countries trading with Iran.