UNGA Diplomatic Talks
EU and Azerbaijani Diplomats Meet Iran's Foreign Minister at UN General Assembly
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Key Points
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U.S. President Donald Trump said special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had joined the U.S. team in a three-hour meeting with mediators involved in negotiations with Iran, which he described as a “very good meeting.”
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Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the UN General Assembly to discuss bilateral and multilateral issues, regional developments and security, and the importance of maintaining high-level contacts and good-neighborly relations.
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The Azerbaijani and Iranian ministers also cited the August 2026 meeting between their presidents in Bishkek as an important step toward expanding bilateral cooperation, while emphasizing diplomacy, dialogue, peace and stability.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi at the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss ending the U.S.-Iran war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. EU sources said Kallas emphasized that maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb must remain free, with no tolls or fees imposed after the conflict ends.
The diplomatic push comes as White House officials signal progress. President Trump said special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner joined a three-hour negotiating session with Iran mediators, calling it a "very good meeting." Meanwhile, Araghchi also met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss regional security and bilateral cooperation.
Kallas Pushes for Open Sea Lanes After Conflict
Kaja Kallas told Araghchi that free passage through key shipping routes is non-negotiable. Newsable reported that the EU chief raised concerns about Iran's domestic repression, including rising executions and death sentences. She wants assurances that any deal includes guarantees of maritime freedom.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of the world's oil exports. Closing it or imposing tolls would spike global energy prices and disrupt trade. Kallas is making clear the EU won't accept restrictions after the conflict ends.
Trump Team Reports Progress in Secret Talks
The U.S. is taking a softer approach than previous administrations. Trump said Witkoff and Kushner spent three hours with Iran's negotiating partners, describing the meeting as productive. Both men now lead the administration's direct diplomacy with Tehran.
This marks a shift from months of military confrontation. The U.S. and Israel's coordinated strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader in late February, but negotiations have quietly continued through back channels. Trump's team appears willing to explore a deal.
Azerbaijan and Iran Strengthen Regional Ties
Araghchi also met Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at UNGA to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional security. Diplomatic sources cited an August 2026 meeting between the presidents in Bishkek as progress toward deeper ties. Both nations emphasized maintaining dialogue and good-neighborly relations.
The separate meetings show Iran is juggling multiple diplomatic tracks. While negotiating with the U.S. through mediators, Iran is also reinforcing partnerships with neighboring countries. This multi-front diplomacy could strengthen Tehran's position in any final agreement.
Russia Also Backs Strait of Hormuz Negotiations
TASS reported that Araghchi also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at UNGA. Both discussed progress in talks between Tehran and Muscat over Strait of Hormuz passage. Russia is backing Iran's position that the waterway must remain open to all nations.
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