At the UN, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran and said Tehran had only defended itself. Analyst Behnam Ben Taleblu said the claim may have drawn a smile from Donald Trump, though he thought Trump may barely have listened.
The day before, Trump asked whether he should “annihilate” the Islamic Republic, framing it as a choice for Tehran. Taleblu argued Pezeshkian’s claim that Iran had only defended itself clashed with Iran’s record.
Trump said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held roughly three hours of talks with Iranian officials at the UN. Witkoff said the sides communicated through intermediaries, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was reported to be part of Iran’s team.
