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US President Donald Trump warned Iran that the United States could take further military action if Tehran does not agree to a deal to end the conflict.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump said he faced a major decision over whether to pursue an agreement or continue military pressure on Iran. Reuters reported his remarks as part of a broader diplomatic push at the United Nations.
“I have a big decision to make,” Trump said, according to Reuters.
He also suggested that a deal could allow Iran to rebuild. At the same time, he warned that the United States could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if the conflict continued.
Despite the strong rhetoric, diplomatic contacts continued in New York.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the United States and Iran held lengthy indirect talks on Tuesday. Mediators moved between the two sides throughout the day.
Witkoff said the mediators would continue their efforts. He described the discussions as potentially “constructive and promising.”
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The talks focused on finding a way to end the conflict and address wider regional security concerns.
The UN General Assembly’s high-level week is taking place in New York from September 22 to 28. The general debate runs from September 22 to 26.
Iran’s armed forces dismissed Trump’s remarks as propaganda.
Iranian officials said the country’s military remained ready to respond to further attacks. Tehran has continued to reject pressure to surrender during the conflict.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also said Tehran would not surrender to US pressure.
The Iranian position remains focused on ending military pressure and securing conditions for any wider agreement.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major issue in the diplomatic discussions.
The waterway is a critical route for global energy supplies. Disruptions to shipping through the strait have contributed to higher oil prices and increased concerns over regional energy security.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the strait to Gulf shipping within days if Washington eased military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
The official also said Iran had conveyed its latest proposal to Washington through mediators.
Meanwhile, oil markets received some relief after Saudi Arabia resumed operations on its East-West Pipeline. The development raised expectations that the kingdom could restore some exports through the Red Sea.
Trump also met leaders from several Middle Eastern countries affected by the conflict.
The discussions included efforts to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states also face concerns over Iran’s regional influence and attacks linked to the wider conflict.
Qatar has played a key role in diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to the supplied report.
Regional sources have also discussed a proposed security framework involving Iran and Arab Gulf states.
The proposal could include security guarantees for Gulf countries and stronger economic links with Iran.
The conflict has created wider security and economic risks across the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has faced attacks linked to Iran-aligned Houthi fighters in Yemen. The fighting has also raised concerns over Saudi oil exports and shipping routes.
Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline had resumed operations after attacks disrupted energy infrastructure.
The United States has also faced pressure over its response to the Houthi conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would continue to support Saudi Arabia. He also described the Yemen conflict as complex and said the United States wanted to avoid worsening other regional disputes.
For now, diplomacy continues alongside military threats. The latest US-Iran talks have created an opening for negotiations, but major differences remain between Washington and Tehran.
[…] Trump Warns Iran of Annihilation as UN Talks Raise Hopes for Deal […]