- Rubio Directs Iranian Delegation to Depart as Washington-Tehran Negotiations Reach Impasse; Qatar Continues Mediation Efforts
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed Iran’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly to leave the United States following the failure of recent diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to produce a breakthrough, according to US officials cited by Axios.
The decision came after indirect US-Iran talks in New York reached an impasse. According to Axios, there had initially been expectations within the White House that the discussions could make progress, but those hopes faded as the two sides remained divided over key issues.
The US mission to the United Nations subsequently informed the Iranian mission, on Rubio’s instructions, that the delegation headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi should leave New York.
The Iranian delegation later departed for the airport and travelled to Doha. Axios reported that Araghchi had already been planning to leave New York for Tehran, making the timing of the US directive particularly significant.
Qatar Continues Diplomatic Shuttle Efforts
Despite the setback, Qatari mediators are continuing efforts to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran. Recent negotiations have focused on a possible compromise involving the Strait of Hormuz, US restrictions on Iran and Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Qatari officials have been conducting separate discussions with representatives of both sides in an effort to modify proposals and identify possible areas of agreement.
Diplomatic Differences Remain
The latest developments underscore the continuing gap between the positions of Washington and Tehran. Iran has sought discussions focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of US restrictions, while the Trump administration has continued to press for concrete commitments concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite the current impasse, diplomatic channels remain active, with Qatar continuing its mediation efforts and Iranian officials indicating that Tehran remains engaged in discussions through intermediaries. Reuters reported on September 30 that Iran had received a US response to its latest proposal through Qatari mediators, indicating that diplomatic contacts were continuing despite the setback in New York.
BY: The Times Union
