US and Iran Hold Indirect Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
The US and Iran held indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, downplayed by Iran as not new. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said the country maintained its negotiating stance, demanding the US end its blockade on Iranian ports and release frozen assets.
The talks, facilitated by Qatari mediators, came after months of stalled communication between the two nations. The war has seen a significant decline in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices remaining elevated due to the conflict.
US President Donald Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran if a deal is not reached soon to end the nearly seven-month war. He also met with leaders from Gulf Co-operation Council nations to discuss the way ahead in the conflict.