Global
US President Donald Trump has informed his advisors of his desire to arrange a meeting with Iranian officials in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, if "suitable conditions" prevail. This desire was reported by CNN, citing a responsible US administration source, amid escalating tensions. Internal questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of such a potential meeting in advancing the Trump administration's efforts to end the conflict with Iran. A US official indicated doubts about the trustworthiness of Iranian officials in New York with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, the ultimate decision-maker, and the unclear extent of Iranian openness to the meeting. The Iranian delegation participating in the General Assembly meetings includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi. Rubio confirmed in an interview with NBC's "Today" program that the United States is open to this, though nothing has been decided yet. Washington stands ready for a step offering opportunities for positive results. Trump had previously stated to Fox News his "likely" willingness to meet Pezeshkian at the summit, as his administration weighs options including "erasing Iran," "letting it rot economically," or reaching an agreement to end the conflict ongoing for approximately seven months. For his part, Pezeshkian affirmed upon his departure to New York that he would "firmly" defend Iran's positions in the dispute, and would utilize the opportunity to "convey Iran's suffering."
