US-Iran Talks at UN: Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, US and Iranian representatives held talks on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff were involved in the discussions, with reports saying the talks focused significantly on the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported that Tehran presented conditions for reopening the strategically important waterway, including the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to attacks on what Iran describes as its allied or “resistance” fronts. The discussions reportedly lasted around three hours, while US President Donald Trump described the engagement as productive and said another round of talks had already been scheduled.

Meanwhile, explosions were reported near Iran’s Qeshm Island, located close to the Strait of Hormuz, around the time of the diplomatic discussions in New York. Iranian state media reported that the sound appeared to have come from the direction of the sea, while the cause and extent of any damage were not immediately clear. The developments came shortly after Trump used his UN address to warn Iran of further escalation if a deal was not reached, while also indicating that diplomacy remained possible. Iran has separately said it could reopen the Strait within about a week if Washington reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade, adding another key element to the ongoing diplomatic efforts.