US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly directed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation to leave New York after diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran reached an impasse.
The Iranian delegation was informed that it needed to depart following the conclusion of the United Nations General Assembly. According to reports, the group left for the airport several hours later and travelled to Doha.
A US official characterized the move as a response to the delegation remaining in the city after the conclusion of the General Assembly. The development came as efforts to make progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran appeared to stall.
Iran disputes the account
Iranian officials rejected the suggestion that the delegation had been unexpectedly expelled. The Iranian mission said Araghchi’s departure had already been scheduled and that the itinerary had been communicated to US officials in advance.
Reports also indicated that US officials had initially hoped that negotiations could produce progress. However, discussions later reached a deadlock, reflecting the continuing differences and lack of trust between the two sides.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Qatari mediators are continuing efforts to help bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. Regional sources have indicated that diplomatic contacts remain ongoing as both sides explore the possibility of reaching an agreement.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, adopted a forceful tone when discussing the negotiations and warned that Washington was approaching a point at which it would have to decide between reaching an agreement and taking military action.
The conflicting accounts over the Iranian delegation’s departure underscore the tensions surrounding the broader diplomatic efforts between the two countries.
