US and Iran hold first talks since June after Trump's 'annihilation' threat
US and Iranian officials held talks at the UN in New York to address the ongoing conflict, though no breakthrough was reported. President Trump continues to exert pressure on Iran, threatening 'annihilation' while facing domestic economic concerns ahead of the midterms.
Why it matters
The potential for escalation in the Middle East, combined with the impact on global oil prices, makes this a critical geopolitical issue with significant economic consequences.
Figure caption, Watch: Trump threatens to 'annihilate' Iran if no deal reached
Top Iranian and US officials have held talks at the UN in New York on a day when the US leader said he could "annihilate" the Islamic Republic if the conflict went unresolved.
No breakthrough has been reported from the meeting mediated by Qatar and involving Iran's foreign minister and US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff - the first since a June ceasefire unravelled.
Witkoff said a round of discussions had been completed "that we hope will prove constructive and promising". Iran repeated its demand for the US to end its "acts of aggression".
The US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February. Iran responded by attacking Israel and US bases in the Gulf and Arab Gulf allies of the US - as well as blocking the Strait of Hormuz.
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