Trump Says U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Near After UN Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump said progress toward a peace agreement with Iran was gaining momentum after American and Iranian officials held lengthy talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Trump said U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner participated in roughly three hours of discussions with Iranian representatives on Tuesday, describing the meeting as productive. Witkoff separately confirmed that lengthy talks had taken place, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was involved on Tehran’s side. Another round of discussions is expected in the near future.

“I think there’s a lot of momentum for them to make a deal,” Trump said, signaling optimism that diplomacy could eventually produce a settlement.

The discussions marked rare direct engagement between Washington and Tehran as the nearly seven-month conflict continues. A central obstacle remains the Strait of Hormuz, where restricted shipping has disrupted global energy flows and contributed to volatility in oil markets.

Iranian officials have linked reopening the strategic waterway to U.S. concessions, including easing military and economic pressure. Reports indicated Tehran could consider reopening the Strait within a week if Washington takes reciprocal steps.

Despite renewed diplomacy, major differences remain. Trump reiterated that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and warned of severe consequences if negotiations fail. Iran, meanwhile, has called for broader de-escalation and relief from U.S. pressure.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, keeping attention focused on whether the diplomatic push can produce further progress.

The prospect of a U.S.-Iran agreement has also influenced energy markets. Oil prices have fallen as traders assess whether diplomacy could eventually improve crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said he believes an agreement could be reached after the U.S. midterm elections in November, while maintaining that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains Washington’s central condition.