Trump Open to Pezeshkian Meeting as Iran Tensions Escalate

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, even as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain elevated. Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reported Trump’s willingness to meet the Iranian leader following a phone conversation with the president on Sunday.

Trump also maintained pressure on Tehran, presenting Iran with stark choices between reaching an agreement with Washington and facing further economic or military consequences. The comments come as the months-long U.S.-Iran conflict continues to destabilize the Middle East.

Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed U.S. military action would trigger retaliation against American interests in the region. Iranian officials have claimed Washington may be preparing another bombing campaign, adding to concerns that the conflict could intensify.

The confrontation has also become increasingly intertwined with renewed fighting in Yemen. Iran-backed Houthi forces have expanded their territorial control along Yemen’s Red Sea coast while launching attacks against Saudi Arabia. The group has said it does not intend to target U.S. vessels and has communicated with Washington regarding the issue.

Despite Saudi requests for U.S. military assistance, Trump decided Sunday not to authorize American strikes against Houthi targets for the time being, according to The New York Times. The decision followed internal discussions over whether direct U.S. involvement could open another front in the broader regional conflict.

The Houthis’ advances near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have added another risk to global shipping and energy markets. The strategic waterway is a major route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Attention will now turn to the UN General Assembly, where both Trump and Pezeshkian are expected to be present. Any direct meeting could become a significant diplomatic development as Washington and Tehran weigh their next steps amid continuing military and economic pressure.