The 81st UN General Assembly opens a diplomatic door to U.S. President Donald Trump contacting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Trump has indicated he’d welcome Pezeshkian’s visit to New York. The prospect has emerged amid months of fighting in the conflict which has yet to be resolved.
Why Does the UN Meeting Matters?
The UN General Assembly is similar, except for the inclusion of high level officials in the same diplomatic area, along with side meetings. There’s been a number of “intermittent contacts” between Washington and Tehran, and the Iranian delegation is allowed at the UN as required by the U.S. being the host country.
Two Different Negotiating Positions
As Iran presses for an agreement on its nuclear capability, Washington is still applying economic and military pressure as its constant demand for a deal persists. Tehran has made the resumption of renewed talks dependent on the mood of the conflict and the Strait of Hormuz. Iranese statement on opening the waterway, on September 20, did not say the corridor would be opened as long as the terms of the June ceasefire were fulfilled.
The first steps in diplomacy can be taken in a limited way to relieve tensions: maritime de-escalation first, humanitarian arrangements or gestures opening room for renewed nuclear negotiations later.
Hormuz Raises the Stakes
The need for diplomacy is more urgent in the Strait of Hormuz. Most shipping in the strait has continued to be blocked, and there has been a rise in Saudi exports from the strait, Reuters reported. Diplomatic activity continues to affect oil prices.
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Can Diplomacy Break the Deadlock?
A peace meeting at the UN will not bring any immediate solution. But it can also reveal whether Washington and Tehran are prepared to take the public messages and make these negotiations structured. As Pezeshkian is in New York while Trump has been making allusions to a meeting, diplomacy has room for actionable and verifiable steps.
Some agreement on maritime access would be a possibility for more negotiation to take place. It’ll depend on the extent of trust that is created by both sides to start reciprocating each other’s actions.
FAQs
Will Trump and Pezeshkian meet?
No. Trump has said that he is “welcoming,” but there had been no official meeting planned as of Sept. 22.
What is special about the Strait of Hormuz?
It is a key energy shipping corridor and disruptions will impact energy markets and trade.
What are the obstacles to progress?
Important constraints are competing demands, nuclear disagreements and distrust, and escalation of military action, as well as sanctions.
