Iran’s Foreign Ministry said a new message exchange between Iran and Washington took place through Qatari mediators, as indirect contacts between the two sides continued on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Tehran said it used the exchange to set out its conditions for restarting the diplomatic track.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said the two sides spent about two hours exchanging messages and clarifying positions, with Iran laying out its demands clearly and without ambiguity.
Tehran Sets Conditions for Resuming Diplomacy
According to Baghaei, Iran’s conditions include ending what it describes as hostile US measures, including a naval blockade, “economic terrorism,” and the war on all fronts, as well as releasing Iranian assets that are frozen or restricted.
He said the demands were conveyed through Qatari mediation as part of indirect communication channels, with Tehran making clear that any return to talks would require concrete US steps first.
Safe Maritime Corridor Included in Iran’s Demands
The spokesman also said the conditions include acceptance of a safe maritime corridor under the formula agreed between the governments of the two coastal states, without giving further details about the proposed framework or the parties involved in guaranteeing it.
The reference comes as maritime security and freedom of navigation remain central issues in the wider regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and their allies.
Pezeshkian Says Iran Is Defending Itself
In a speech at the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was “assassinated without any legal framework,” adding that Iran is defending itself and its people, who he said have been forced into war.
He said US President Donald Trump had described Iranians as terrorists, while Iran sees itself as a victim of terrorism. He also said the United States and Israel attacked Iran with advanced weapons, but the Iranian people stood firm.
Iran Defends Its Nuclear Program
Pezeshkian said Iran is not seeking its own security at the expense of others and insisted that its nuclear energy program is peaceful.
He added that nuclear energy is part of Iran’s development and should not remain the monopoly of a few countries.
Political Messages Amid Stalled Talks
The statements show that indirect communication between Iran and Washington remains active, even as no breakthrough appears close on the main disputes involving sanctions, maritime security, and the nuclear file.
Pezeshkian’s remarks at the UN also reflected Tehran’s effort to present itself as defending its rights while pressing for equal treatment in the use of nuclear technology.
Conclusion:
The message exchange through Qatari mediation suggests that communication channels between Iran and the United States remain open, but only under strict political and security conditions set by Tehran. While indirect talks continue, a real diplomatic breakthrough still depends on whether both sides are ready to make meaningful concessions.
