US and Iranian officials held their first talks since June at the United Nations in New York, mediated by Qatar, with the US represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The three-hour meeting was described as "productive" and "promising" by American officials, though no breakthrough was announced. The talks carry significant weight because the escalating conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets and created pressure on President Trump to find a resolution before November's Congressional elections.

The conflict began with US and Israeli air strikes on 28 February, prompting Iran to retaliate by attacking US bases and blocking the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas previously passed. Trump has adopted a strategy of "coercive diplomacy," combining military threats—including statements about potentially "annihilating" Iran—with ongoing negotiations. Since the ceasefire collapsed in June, both sides have exchanged intermittent fire, and the US has maintained a port blockade whilst threatening sanctions against countries trading with Iran. Trump has indicated he expects a deal to emerge after November's elections.