U.S. UN ambassador says Iran invited back to talks, more nations eye Abraham Accords
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Iran could re-enter peace negotiations and noted that several regional states are interested in joining the Abraham Accords.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told one outlet Live audience that Iran remains welcome at the negotiating table, dismissing reports that Tehran insists on lifting sanctions and reparations before talks resume. He argued that Iran’s economy, reflected in a record-low rial, is at its weakest since 1979, making diplomatic outreach more likely. Waltz also said a number of other regional states have expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords, which celebrated its sixth year, though he did not name them.
He noted recent Iranian-backed actions, including attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and Houthi seizure of islands near Bab el-Mandeb, as leverage over key maritime chokepoints. The ambassador praised Israel’s recent ambassador exchange with Morocco and said the Trump administration’s “Board of Peace” continues to work on Gaza, with progress expected after Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election. Overall, Waltz framed the situation as an opening for peaceful, diplomatic solutions in the region.
Why it matters
The remarks signal possible diplomatic shifts in the Middle East, including a chance to re-engage Iran and expand the Abraham Accords.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 IAEA urges immediate access to Iran’s nuclear facilities amid verification concerns
- Sep 10 Projectiles struck Iran's Sirik coast, causing multiple blasts in Minab County and on Qeshm Island.
- Sep 10 Trump said the war will cease immediately after the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
- Sep 10 Trump warned of a possible strike at a midterm Republican gathering.
- Sep 11 Trump said he would repeat his decision to go to war with Iran.
- Sep 13 Iran’s use of Chinese high‑resolution satellite photos for the July Jordan base strike was disclosed.
- Sep 14 Trump said the United States and China spy on each other and downplayed the claim that Chinese firms gave Iran the images.
- Sep 15 A DoD inspector general report says the first four months of Operation Epic Fury have cost $33.4 billion, with $22.3 billion spent on munitions and critical missile shortfalls emerging.
- Sep 16 The House of Representatives voted 220-204 to adopt a resolution that orders President Trump to end the ongoing war in Iran, marking a rare bipartisan effort. Seven Republicans—Thomas Massie (KY), Tom Barrett (MI), Warren Davidson (OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA), Nancy Mace (SC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA) and Zach Nunn (IA)—joined Democrats in supporting the measure, three more than in prior votes. Rep. Jason Crow led the push, emphasizing that both parties are fed up with the conflict, now in its seventh month. On the same day, Rep. Massie, who lost his primary, filed impeachment articles against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, accusing him of executing unlawful war orders. Public sentiment remains strongly against the war, with an Ipsos poll indicating 71% of Americans favor withdrawal. The resolution reflects growing congressional pressure to rein in presidential war powers.
- Sep 16 Report reveals extensive infrastructure damage on U.S. bases and $184 million in embassy damage, raising total war cost estimate to over $112 billion.
- Sep 16 Seven Republicans voted for the resolution, three more than in earlier votes.
- Sep 17 The United States will permit a reduced Iranian delegation headed by President Masoud Pezeshkian to join the UN General Assembly High Level Week, despite the ongoing seven-month conflict with Israel and the United States.
- Sep 18 The United States granted visas to Iran’s president and foreign minister for the UN meeting.
- Sep 20 The inspector general’s assessment was released, detailing damage and cost overruns.
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