US President Donald Trump has said he would “probably be open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week, as Washington considers its next steps in the conflict with Iran.
The comments were relayed by Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst following a conversation with Trump. According to Yingst, Trump was asked whether he would meet Pezeshkian during the UN gathering and responded that he would “probably be open” to such a meeting.
The possibility of a Trump-Pezeshkian meeting comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Trump said he was in a “deciding mode” over the next phase of the conflict and indicated that several options were being considered, including further military action, continued economic pressure and a negotiated agreement.
Trump also said that “very big things” could happen in the near future, while warning Iran to change its conduct. His comments leave open the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement alongside military and economic pressure.
The 81st UN General Assembly is bringing world leaders to New York this week. Trump is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday, while Pezeshkian is expected to deliver his address on Wednesday.
The United States has already granted visas to Iran’s core UN delegation, including Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. However, the Iranian delegation will face restrictions on movement in New York and other limitations during its visit.
A meeting between Trump and Pezeshkian has not been confirmed. If it takes place, it would occur against the backdrop of months of military confrontation and intermittent diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
Iranian officials have also conveyed conditions for ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz through mediators, according to reports. Trump is separately expected to meet leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries during the UN week to discuss regional security and the strategic waterway.
The potential meeting would place diplomacy alongside military and economic options as Washington and Tehran confront one of the most serious periods in their bilateral relations in recent years.
