US President Donald Trump says he is probably open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. The possibility comes as Washington weighs its next move in the conflict with Iran.
Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst said he asked Trump about a possible meeting with Pezeshkian. According to Yingst, Trump said he would “probably be open” to the encounter.
However, Trump also said he is in “deciding mode” over Iran. He warned that “very big things” could happen in the near future. He described three possible paths: further military action, stronger economic pressure or a negotiated agreement.
Trump Leaves Door Open for Talks
A meeting between Trump and Pezeshkian has not been confirmed. Still, both presidents are expected to be in New York during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week.
Trump is scheduled to address the gathering on Tuesday. Pezeshkian is expected to speak on Wednesday. The United States has approved visas for Iran’s core UN delegation, including Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
If the two leaders meet, it would be their first direct encounter since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. The conflict has now continued for nearly seven months.
Trump has also planned meetings with leaders from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Regional security and the Strait of Hormuz are expected to feature in those discussions.
Iran Sets Conditions for Ending Conflict
Iran has also signalled an interest in negotiations. Iranian officials said Tehran had sent Washington a list of conditions through mediators, including Qatar.
The reported conditions include an end to hostilities, the release of frozen Iranian funds and an end to the naval blockade. Tehran has also warned against any new large-scale US attack.
Iranian military officials said countries that assist the United States in a new attack could be treated as parties to the conflict. The warning adds to tensions across the region.
UN Meeting Could Create Diplomatic Opening
Trump has repeatedly combined warnings of further escalation with statements that a deal remains possible. His latest comments again leave both options open.
Pezeshkian’s presence in New York could therefore provide an opportunity for direct contact. For now, however, neither side has confirmed that a Trump-Pezeshkian meeting will take place.
The UN gathering comes at a critical point in the conflict. World leaders are expected to focus on the war, regional security and the wider impact of disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
