US and Iranian officials held their first talks since June at the UN in New York, mediated by Qatar, as President Donald Trump warned of 'annihilation' if the conflict with Iran continued. The meeting involved Iran's foreign minister and Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, and was described as a round of discussions that 'we hope will prove constructive and promising' by Witkoff. No breakthrough was reported, and Iran reiterated its demand for the US to end its 'acts of aggression'.

The conflict escalated in February when the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran, prompting Iran to attack Israel and US bases in the Gulf and Arab Gulf allies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas transit route, disrupted global energy markets, with 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passing through the strait before the conflict. The disruption has caused wild price fluctuations and increased pressure on Trump to find a resolution, especially as the US approaches Congressional elections in November.

In his address at the UN General Assembly, Trump emphasized his economic and security policies, framing his remarks more as a campaign pitch than a diplomatic statement. He defended the war with Iran, arguing it prevented Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and demonstrated the value of 'peace through strength'—a strategy of coercive diplomacy involving threats of overwhelming force while keeping negotiations open. Trump suggested an Iran deal might come after November's elections, reflecting his approach of using ultimatums rather than compromise.

Iranian officials confirmed the talks took place through a Qatari mediator, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting Witkoff. The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, stated that negotiations included Tehran's conditions for ending the war on all fronts and ceasing US 'acts of aggression'. Witkoff, when asked about the meeting, responded with a thumbs up and later confirmed the talks were conducted through mediators who 'shuttled between the two sides throughout the day'.

Despite the talks, both sides have continued to exchange fire since the ceasefire collapsed. Iran has attacked vessels it claims attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, while the US has targeted Iranian sites in the strait and Iranian tankers off the coast. The US has also imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, severely disrupting the Iranian economy. Trump has threatened sanctions against any country continuing to trade with Iran, but Iran has shown no indication of changing its stance, insisting the US and Israel end their war, including against the Iran-backed Shia group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Yemen's Houthis, also aligned with Iran, have intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil shipping, prompting further escalation in the region.