Iran Denies Dropping Preconditions After 'Very Productive' UN Talks With US Envoys

Iran has denied claims that it dropped its previous preconditions during a surprise round of talks held in New York, describing the three-hour meeting as "very productive" while rejecting the characterization of what was discussed.

The talks were held under the mediation of Qatar between Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, and envoys representing US President Donald Trump. Reports had suggested Iran might have softened earlier conditions related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Tehran has now pushed back against.

Trump said further talks between the two sides remain possible following the meeting, suggesting an openness to continued diplomatic engagement despite the lack of clarity over what specific commitments, if any, were made during the New York discussions.

The diplomatic development coincided with market movements, as the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil fell below $100 for the first time in two weeks, a shift that may reflect investor reaction to reduced tensions or expectations of continued dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

The talks took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where numerous world leaders and diplomats are gathered this week, providing an opportunity for informal high-level contacts between countries with strained relations.