📋 Iran Politics Brief

Iranian President Pezeshkian Delivers Defiant UN Speech Amidst Stalled US-Iran Talks and New Sanctions

September 24, 2026 · 🟠 Risk: Elevated

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Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed indirect talks and explicit conditions, while US President Trump stated a settlement is expected.

Here's exactly what each side is claiming.

Iranian outlets

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, speaking to state news agency IRNA, confirmed indirect talks via Qatari mediators and stated Iran conveyed its views and conditions explicitly. Iranian President Pezeshkian, in his UNGA speech, stated Iran has been a 'victim of terrorism' and will not 'bend the knee' to US pressure. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei downplayed the talks, saying they were 'not anything new.' Tasnim news agency reported that Baghdad and Muscat airports 'will no longer accept' Iranian flights due to sanctions.

International wires

CBS News reported that US President Trump said the US and Iran held talks Tuesday, and he believes a settlement will be reached. US envoy Steve Witkoff said negotiators 'successfully completed' indirect talks. Reuters reported a senior Iranian official stating Iran and the US remain 'far apart' but diplomacy must continue. AFP reported Iranian airlines were forced to cancel some international flights after the US tightened sanctions, and a travel agent in Tehran confirmed halted flights to Baghdad, Muscat, and Qatar.

The disagreement: While both sides confirm indirect talks occurred, the US President expressed optimism for a settlement, whereas a senior Iranian official stated they remain far apart, and the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman downplayed the talks as 'not anything new'.

Each outlet's position is reported as that outlet's position, not as established fact. Every contradiction we've recorded →

The political and diplomatic landscape remains highly volatile due to ongoing conflict, new US sanctions, and strong rhetoric from both sides, despite continued indirect talks.

📌 Key developments

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the 81st UN General Assembly, condemning US and Israeli actions, calling Iran a 'victim of terrorism,' and vowing not to 'bend the knee' to pressure, while also stating openness to diplomacy without coercion.
US and Iranian delegations held indirect talks in New York on Tuesday (September 23), with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari mediators.
New US sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector came into force on Wednesday, leading to some flight cancellations to Iraqi and Omani capitals.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohsen Rezaei, warned neighboring countries against complying with the new US aviation sanctions, threatening that their airports would lose flights to Iran.
An Iranian parliamentary committee approved provisions allowing authorities to seize 20% of cargo or its value from ships violating Iran's rules for passage through the Strait of Hormuz and temporarily detain vessels.
Iranian lawmaker Hossein Ali Haji-Deligani threatened to impeach Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for an Iranian representative attending US President Trump's speech at the UNGA.

💡 Why it matters

The speeches and continued indirect talks highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts amidst escalating rhetoric and sanctions in the seven-month conflict. Iran's defiant stance and parliamentary actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz indicate a hardening position on key issues, while new sanctions aim to further cripple its economy.

🎭 People in the news

Masoud Pezeshkian — Iranian President, delivered a defiant speech at the UNGA, condemning US actions and vowing resistance.
Donald Trump — US President, threatened to 'annihilate' Iran but also expressed belief in a deal.
Abbas Araghchi — Iranian Foreign Minister, involved in indirect talks with US envoys.
Steve Witkoff — US Envoy, participated in indirect talks with Iranian officials.
Jared Kushner — US Envoy, participated in indirect talks with Iranian officials.

👀 What to watch

Any further developments or statements from the UN General Assembly regarding US-Iran relations.
International reactions and compliance with the new US aviation sanctions.
Potential actions or statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's parliamentary committee approval.

Non-partisan. Every claim traceable to sourced reporting. More Politics → · فارسی