Iran Seeks Diplomatic Breakthrough at UN Amid US Pressure

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, engaged in extensive diplomatic outreach at the UN General Assembly in New York, meeting with representatives from at least 24 countries, including a US envoy. Araghchi stated that Tehran presented a new negotiation proposal to Washington following his meeting with US Special Envoy Steve Wicoff. However, reports emerged that President Trump rejected the proposal and intended to continue military strikes. Despite this, the meeting itself was seen as significant for Iran. Araghchi also held discussions with the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, and the foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. A meeting with Jordan's Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, took place shortly after Iranian strikes on US targets in Jordan.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and spoke with Western media. While Rouhani acknowledged the difficulties posed by US sanctions, he asserted they would strengthen Iran's resolve to resist. Some meetings were less favorable for Tehran; British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband reportedly informed Araghchi of London's determination to counter threats from Iran-linked entities in the UK, including attacks on the Jewish community. Other European ministers urged Iran to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and pursue a diplomatic resolution with the US.

Concurrently, Washington intensified economic pressure. A US Treasury Department representative reportedly visited European and Middle Eastern countries trading with Iran, presenting them with a choice between cooperation with Tehran or Washington. Iranian airlines lost access to key regional routes, and a major Iranian bank was restricted from conducting transactions in the UAE and Turkey. These measures supplement existing US sanctions and a naval blockade of Iranian ports. A sanctions consultant noted this combined pressure on Iran's banking and aviation sectors was unprecedented in its intensity and effectiveness, surpassing efforts from 2010.