US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could take further military action against Iran if an agreement to end the ongoing war cannot be reached.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, Trump presented Iran with a choice between reaching a deal and facing further escalation. However, he also suggested that an agreement could be possible soon.
His comments came as US and Iranian representatives held indirect talks through mediators on the sidelines of the UN meeting. US envoy Steve Witkoff said the discussions lasted for several hours and that mediators would continue working between the two sides.
Iran, however, rejected Trump’s remarks. Its armed forces said they were prepared to respond to any further attacks, while Iranian officials maintained that the country would not surrender to US pressure.
The conflict, which began nearly seven months ago after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has caused thousands of deaths and increased pressure on energy markets. It has also widened regional tensions and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas supplies.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the strait to Gulf shipping within seven days if Washington reduced military pressure and lifted its blockade on Iranian ports.
Diplomatic efforts have also involved Gulf countries. Qatar has continued trying to reduce tensions, while regional officials are considering a proposed security framework involving Iran and the Arab Gulf states.
The conflict has also affected Yemen, where Iran-aligned Houthi fighters have made gains against forces supported by Saudi Arabia. Their advance has raised concerns about the security of Saudi oil exports and shipping routes in the region.
The United States has so far avoided returning to direct attacks on the Houthis, despite calls from Saudi Arabia for greater support.
Oil markets received some relief after Saudi Arabia restarted parts of its East-West oil pipeline, which provides an alternative route for exports when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.
The diplomatic efforts at the UN are now taking place alongside continuing military tensions, with any agreement expected to have wider consequences for regional security, energy supplies and global oil markets.
