High-level negotiations between Washington and Tehran took place at the United Nations in New York for the first time since June, with Qatar facilitating the discussions. US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met for three hours, with American officials characterising the encounter as productive and promising, though no formal agreement emerged from the session. The resumption of direct engagement represents a notable shift after months of diplomatic stalemate.

The negotiations unfolded alongside starkly contradictory rhetoric from the US side. President Trump issued a public threat to "annihilate" Iran whilst simultaneously claiming the talks had progressed well and suggesting further rounds were forthcoming. Iran rejected Trump's aggressive language as propaganda and issued warnings that any military offensive would provoke severe consequences. International energy markets responded favourably to the diplomatic developments, with crude prices extending a six-session decline to year-low levels as investors wagered that renewed engagement might alleviate Middle Eastern tensions and support regional oil supplies.