Critical Meeting between US and Iranian Delegations in New York

In his statement to journalists, US President Donald Trump described the meeting between US officials and the Iranian delegation, which lasted approximately three hours, as "very good" and "productive". Trump confirmed that the US delegation included Special Representative Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law and former advisor Jared Kushner. Reuters reported that Trump said after the meeting that he thought contacts with Iran were continuing and an agreement would be reached.

Trump said that a new meeting was planned between the parties "very soon."

WITKOFF MEETS WITH ARAKÇİ

Iranian state media also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi met with Witkoff on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. According to Iranian sources, the meeting was held at Witkoff's request.

During the meeting, the conditions put forward by Tehran for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz were conveyed to the US side. Iran's demands include the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and an end to the war in "resistance fronts" including Lebanon.

A senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters also said that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts the blockade of Iranian ports. It was also stated that the Iranian delegation had full authority to restart the diplomatic process in New York.

TRUMP: I THINK A DEAL WILL BE REACHED

Trump had said that contacts with Iran were continuing after his meeting with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham earlier in the day.

"I think an agreement will be reached." Trump used much harsher expressions in his subsequent UN General Assembly speech and threatened to increase attacks on Iran if an agreement was not reached. While Trump also called on other countries to isolate Iran economically, he suggested that a peace agreement could be reached after the November 3 midterm elections in the USA.

Trump also claimed that all 159 Iranian ships were destroyed, more than 90 percent of Iran's planes were shot down, and hundreds of weapons and unmanned aerial vehicle storage facilities were targeted, before his meeting with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab countries.

WAR AND THE STRAIT OF HORmuz ARE AT THE CENTER OF THE TALKS

At the center of contacts between the USA and Iran is the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for ending the war, Iran's nuclear program, sanctions and global energy trade.

While Washington demands assurance from Iran that it will not develop nuclear weapons, Tehran; It wants concrete steps to be taken to end military pressure, lift the naval blockade and impose economic sanctions. The direct contact of the parties in New York and the planning of a new meeting show that the diplomatic channel remains open despite the harsh statements made in recent weeks.