New York, 23 September (H.S.):

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in New York on Tuesday(September 22), on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, as diplomatic efforts intensified to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.

During the meeting, Iran outlined conditions for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media and international reporting.

Tehran reportedly demanded the immediate lifting of the US naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the ongoing conflict across what Iranian officials described as resistance fronts.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy and shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. Any prolonged disruption to traffic through the waterway could have wider implications for regional trade and global energy supplies.

The meeting came amid continued military tensions between Iran and the United States, while diplomatic efforts were underway to find a possible path towards de-escalation.

A senior Iranian official also indicated that Tehran could consider reopening the Strait within seven days if Washington eased military pressure and lifted the blockade. Iran has additionally called for a formal commitment from the United States to pursue a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

The talks in New York took place during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, where several international leaders and officials were engaged in discussions over ongoing conflicts and regional security.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar