Trump administration says Iran misreads U.S. political system amid oil talks
U.S. officials warned that Iran is overestimating the impact of rising fuel costs and the upcoming midterm elections on U.S. negotiating strength, after three hours of talks produced no clear breakthrough.
During the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. officials asserted that Iran is misreading the American political system, assuming the November midterm elections could weaken President Donald Trump's position in negotiations. Tommy Pigott highlighted the United States' dominance over the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing economic pressure on Tehran, while Marco Rubio warned that the cost of a nuclear-armed Iran would far exceed current oil price increases.
A three-hour diplomatic session this week ended without a declared breakthrough, though it was noted as a continuation of prior talks. Iran responded with a proposal to restore passage through the strait within seven days under specific conditions, followed by renewed negotiations. U.S. officials said oil flows through the strait are rising and that they are not in a hurry to finalize a deal. The administration also noted regional threats from Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, reaffirming its defense commitments to Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
The dispute affects global oil markets and the risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
How this story developed
- Sep 14 Trump says United States remains open to talks with Iran to end war
- Sep 23 Trump reported a meeting between US and Iranian officials at the UN summit.
- Sep 23 President Donald Trump described the US‑Iran talks as productive.
- Sep 24 Speaking at the United Nations, Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Tehran will never bow to American pressure, even after Donald Trump warned of annihilating the Islamic Republic. He warned that sanctions and bullying would only strengthen Iranian resistance. Pezeshkian also criticized the United States and Israel for demanding limits on Iran’s nuclear program while Israel is believed to possess nuclear weapons.
- Sep 24 Guterres delivered his final UN General Assembly address, warning of deepening technological and geopolitical divides.
- Sep 24 US and Iranian negotiators in New York are discussing a step-by-step plan that would see Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz while the United States ends its economic blockade, though both sides cling to leverage.
- Sep 25 President Pezeshkian linked the Strait of Hormuz dispute to U.S. sanctions and the naval blockade in his UN address.
- Sep 25 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York, the first Iranian head of state to set foot in the United States.
- Sep 25 President Donald Trump signaled interest in a deal before the midterm elections.
- Sep 26 Iran awaited an official U.S. reply to its UN‑transmitted peace initiative.
- Sep 26 US President Donald Trump says he rejects Iran’s proposal of a seven‑day roadmap to end the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Sep 26 Trump’s UN speech introduced a direct threat to Iran and highlighted claimed peace achievements.
- Sep 27 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran will remain resolute and not retreat despite President Donald Trump's rejection of Iran’s seven‑day ceasefire and Strait of Hormuz reopening proposal.
- Sep 27 President Trump dismissed Iran's proposal and no formal U.S. reply has been transmitted through mediators.
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