President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are progressing toward a potential agreement. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official stated that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
Trump’s comments followed his repeated warning at the United Nations General Assembly, where he threatened to destroy Iran if no deal is reached. Speaking after a meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham in New York, Trump remarked, “They want to talk to us. They have been talking to us, even today they’ve been talking to us, and the relationship is developing.” He emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but did not provide details about the ongoing discussions.
Since July, no direct meetings between the US and Iran have been confirmed, after an interim agreement to end the conflict collapsed shortly after being signed. Earlier in his UN speech, Trump showed no indication of willingness to compromise, calling for Iran’s complete economic isolation. He predicted a deal might be reached after the November midterm elections, suggesting Iran is waiting to see the election outcome.
Domestically, Trump faces mounting criticism over the unpopular Iran war, rising energy prices, and persistent inflation. Iran, on the other hand, has indicated readiness to resume talks to end the nearly seven-month conflict, with leaders from both countries attending the UN gathering.
The Iranian official revealed that Tehran had submitted its latest proposal to Washington via intermediaries last week. The official added that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened to Gulf shipping within seven days if Iran’s conditions are met. They urged the US to officially declare its intention to resolve the issue diplomatically and establish a timeline for talks, calling the UN General Assembly a “golden opportunity” for renewed diplomacy.
However, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led previous negotiating efforts, reaffirmed Iran’s firm stance, stating that Trump must understand that his power cannot be imposed on the Iranian people or their armed forces.
On Tuesday, Trump was scheduled to meet with leaders from the six Gulf Arab states—Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are eager to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports before the conflict, but remain cautious about enhancing Iran’s influence.
Except for Oman, all these states host significant US military bases that have been targets of repeated Iranian attacks during the war. Saudi Arabia, the largest Gulf state, has become more deeply involved in the conflict as Iran-backed Houthi forces have advanced in Yemen, displacing Saudi-backed government troops and threatening Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea.
On Tuesday, oil markets showed some relief after reports that Saudi Arabia had resumed operations at its East-West Pipeline and could soon restart exports from the Red Sea port of Yanbu, albeit at reduced levels. The pipeline, Saudi Arabia’s primary export route circumventing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, was shut down after attacks this month attributed to Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.
The Houthis, who have pushed back Saudi-supported forces along the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait, have launched missile and drone attacks directly on Saudi Arabia. They are currently attempting to secure the Kahboub Mountains, which overlook the Red Sea coast. Despite repeated requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the US has so far declined to reengage militarily against the Houthis. Reports indicate that Trump canceled planned US strikes against the Houthis at the last moment on Sunday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that while America remains committed to supporting Saudi Arabia, the conflict’s complexity and history with the Houthis require cautious handling to avoid unintended consequences.
During the Gulf states’ meeting with Trump, a Qatari proposal was discussed to establish a regional security framework involving Iran and the Arab Gulf states. Sources noted that Iran is currently considering the proposal. At the Qatar Economic Forum in New York, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that any such agreement must guarantee Gulf states’ security and promote economic cooperation with Iran.
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