U.S. negotiators meet Iranian officials at U.N. to revive nuclear deal

President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the United States would either strike a new nuclear deal with Iran or “annihilate” the country, as a U.S. delegation met Iranian officials at a United Nations conference in New York. The remarks came while senior State Department officials, led by Deputy Secretary Stephen Biegun, held closed‑door talks with Iran’s foreign ministry representatives to discuss a possible return to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The meeting marked the first direct engagement between the two sides since the Trump administration withdrew from the accord in 2018 and re‑imposed sweeping sanctions on Tehran.

The warning reflects growing frustration in the White House over the stalled negotiations. Since the U.S. exit from the JCPOA, Iran has stepped up its uranium enrichment, breaching limits set by the original deal, while also expanding its ballistic‑missile program. European powers, China and Russia have tried to keep the deal alive, fearing that a collapse could destabilize the Middle East and trigger a new arms race. Domestic political pressure has also mounted, with Republican lawmakers questioning the administration’s strategy and Democrats urging a diplomatic solution to avoid a military confrontation.

Iranian officials responded cautiously, saying they remain “open to dialogue” but will not compromise on their sovereign right to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The United Nations Security Council is expected to convene later this week to consider a resolution that could lift some sanctions in exchange for verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. Analysts say the next steps will hinge on whether the United States can present a credible offer that balances security concerns with economic relief for Tehran. If talks break down, the region could see heightened tensions, making the Trump administration’s stark ultimatum a potentially pivotal moment in U.S.–Iran relations.