US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face devastating consequences if an agreement to end the conflict is not reached, while also suggesting that a diplomatic deal could be possible.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, Trump said he faced a major decision over whether to pursue an agreement with Iran or take military action.
Trump’s remarks came as diplomatic efforts continued on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to end the nearly seven-month conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli strikes.
Iran’s Armed Forces dismissed Trump’s comments as “propaganda” and warned that its forces were prepared to respond with what it described as more severe attacks against those it considers aggressors.
US envoy Steve Witkoff said the United States and Iran held lengthy discussions through mediators on Tuesday.
In a post on X, Witkoff said mediators had moved between the two sides throughout the day and would continue their efforts. He described the talks as potentially “constructive and promising”.
Trump also met leaders from Middle Eastern countries concerned about the impact of the conflict on regional security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is a major global energy route, with a significant share of the world's oil and gas shipments passing through it.
Trump said the conflict could potentially end after the US midterm elections on November 3, or possibly before then.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar has been involved in diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran had communicated its latest proposal to Washington through mediators and could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within seven days if its demands were met.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who previously led Iran's negotiating team, maintained that Tehran would not surrender to US pressure.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts come amid concerns over rising energy prices, regional security and the potential impact of further escalation on global oil markets.