US and Iran hold first talks since June after Trump's 'annihilation' threat

September 23, 2026

US and Iranian officials held their first talks since a June ceasefire collapsed, meeting at the UN in New York with Qatari mediation between Iran's foreign minister and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions occurred on the same day President Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran during his UN General Assembly address while simultaneously leaving room for a diplomatic deal. The conflict has escalated with mutual air strikes, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting global oil supplies, and attacks on shipping routes affecting 20% of the world's oil and gas trade.

Who is affected

Iranian government and population (experiencing US blockade and economic disruption)
US military personnel at Gulf bases (targeted by Iranian attacks)
Israel (targeted by Iranian attacks and involved in strikes against Iran and Hezbollah)
Arab Gulf allies of the US (attacked by Iran)
Global oil and liquefied natural gas consumers (affected by closure of Strait of Hormuz and price fluctuations)
Countries trading with Iran (facing threatened US sanctions)
Hezbollah in Lebanon (being attacked by Israel)
Saudi Arabia (experiencing intensified Houthi attacks on oil shipping)
Yemen's Houthis (allied to Iran, escalating conflict)

What action is being taken

US and Iranian officials are holding talks mediated by Qatar at the UN
US maintains a blockade of Iranian ports
US is attacking Iranian sites in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian tankers off the coast
Iran is blocking the Strait of Hormuz
Iran is attacking vessels attempting to cross the strait without authorization
Both sides are intermittently exchanging fire
Israel is attacking Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon
Yemen's Houthis are intensifying attacks on Saudi Arabian oil shipping
Qatari mediators are shuttling between the two sides and continuing their work

Why it matters

The conflict threatens global energy security, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupting 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supply and causing severe price fluctuations. The situation increases pressure on Trump domestically as the US approaches November Congressional elections. The escalating conflict involves multiple regional actors and risks wider destabilization of the Middle East, while the UN Secretary General's warnings highlight deepening global divisions. Trump's coercive diplomacy strategy of threatening force while maintaining negotiations represents a high-stakes approach that could either resolve or further escalate the crisis.

What's next

Qatari mediators will continue their work facilitating talks between the US and Iran
Trump believes an Iran deal will come "right after November's elections"

Read full article from source: BBC