Iran Offers Talks, Threatens Strait of Hormuz Ahead of Trump's UN Speech

Hours before U.S. President Donald Trump's address at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, September 22, Iran signaled its readiness to resume negotiations with Washington. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the Iranian delegation at the UN in New York had "full authority" to restart diplomatic contacts. Despite Trump stating he was "open to the possibility" of meeting Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the assembly, the Iranian official indicated no such meeting would occur. The official also stated that Tehran could open the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the U.S. eases military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, already in New York, described the visit as occurring "after the cowardly war waged against us by the U.S. and Israel." He emphasized Tehran's primary goal at the assembly is to "defend the legitimacy, rights, and interests of the Iranian people," while also noting a loss of faith in the UN's ability to ensure peace and security. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf issued a warning that Iran is capable of launching missile strikes anywhere without limitations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that negotiations are not incompatible with ongoing hostilities and that they are prepared for any miscalculation by the U.S. and Israel, promising a multi-pronged response to any attack.

President Rouhani, before departing for New York, sent a message to the U.S. stating that while Iran has engaged in and signed agreements, other parties have reneged on their commitments. He asserted that the Iranian people will defend their homeland and principles, referencing events in Gaza, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, and Iran as evidence of the current reality. The IRGC also called for regional unity, assuring Gulf states they do not seek war and respect territorial integrity, while preparing to punish aggressors.

In a Fox News interview, Trump commented on the tensions, stating, "I am at a decision-making stage. Very serious things must happen. Iran had better behave." Trump's schedule at the UN includes a speech and meetings with at least 11 world leaders, including those from the UK, Ukraine, and several Gulf states. His return to the White House from Camp David earlier than planned over the weekend was reportedly linked to an ordered, then-canceled, U.S. strike in Yemen on Sunday, September 20.

Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, told Al Jazeera that Iran is ready for "decisive war" and might reconsider its nuclear doctrine. He claimed the U.S. has made miscalculations regarding Iran and that "Netanyahu started the war." Rezaei stated Iran has conveyed seven conditions for ending the war to the U.S. via mediators Qatar and Pakistan, and is awaiting Trump's response. These conditions are similar to those previously offered in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway Iran has attempted to disrupt by attacking oil tankers, prompting U.S. naval operations to ensure oil supplies.