The Latest on Iran’s Negotiations in New York
WANA (Sep 26) – These days, New York is not only hosting the 80th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly, but also serving as the stage for intense negotiations on its sidelines. Various delegations are engaging in bilateral and multilateral meetings, each trying to advance its own narrative. In this context, the visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, accompanied by the Foreign Minister and other officials, has drawn particular attention, as Iran’s positions vis-à-vis Europe and the United States are being closely scrutinized. A broad look at these meetings highlights three key points:
1. Iran refuses to accept European impositions
Iran’s stance in New York is clear and firm: it will not accept Europe’s unilateral demands. Tehran stresses in its meetings that pressure and threats cannot form the basis of dialogue. Iranian officials point out that past experience has shown how, instead of honoring commitments, Western parties have repeatedly returned with new pressures. This firm position has complicated the negotiations and disrupted European calculations, since they had expected Iran to back down under pressure.
Pezeshkian at the UN: Iran Will Not Bow to Aggressors
WANA (Sep 24) – The President of Iran told the UN General Assembly: “Iran will not bow to aggressors, and the country’s enemies have, unintentionally, reinforced national unity.” At the start of his address, Pezeshkian said: “In the twelve-day defense, the patriotic and courageous people of Iran exposed the delusional calculations of arrogant aggressors. […]
2. Europe seeks concessions in exchange for extending the “snapback”
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, European delegations are attempting to make the “snapback” mechanism the focal point of talks. Their aim is straightforward: to extract major concessions from Iran in return for delaying or extending it. Analysts describe this as a form of “diplomatic blackmail.” Rather than offering guarantees to fulfill their own commitments, Europeans are trying to use the threat of reinstating sanctions to gain leverage. The history of the JCPOA demonstrates that even after the U.S. withdrew, Europe was either unable or unwilling to keep its promises. This record now fuels Tehran’s deep mistrust toward Europe’s latest proposals.
3. The U.S. and Israel: snapback first, negotiations later
Alongside Europe, the U.S. and Israel are pushing a tougher line. Their message to Brussels is blunt: the snapback mechanism must be activated first, sanctions must be reinstated, and only then can talks with Iran resume. Such a policy reinforces total distrust and blocks the path to dialogue from the outset. Washington and Tel Aviv’s approach makes clear that their primary objective is not finding solutions, but rather maximizing pressure and constraining Iran.
Pezeshkian displays images of those killed in Iran’s 12-day war at the UN. 24 Sep 2025. Social media / WANA News Agency
Under these conditions, the negotiations in New York resemble a political standoff rather than a breakthrough. Iran insists on resisting external pressures, Europe is torn between its own ambitions and U.S.–Israeli pressure, while Washington and Tel Aviv remain committed to their punitive scenario. The key question is whether Europe can demonstrate independent action in this tense climate, or whether it will ultimately follow the script drafted in Washington and Tel Aviv.
The media coverage of these meetings is also notable. Some European newspapers warn that excessive pressure could derail the talks entirely. In contrast, media outlets close to the Israeli government emphasize that “no negotiations should take place before sanctions are fully reinstated.” This media divide mirrors the disagreements unfolding behind closed doors.
Iran’s Supreme Leader: Negotiations with the U.S. Government Bring No Benefit to Us
WANA (Sep 23) – In a televised address to the Iranian nation, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution stated: Under current circumstances, negotiations with the U.S. government bring no benefit to us, nor will they avert any harm from us. Ayatollah Khamenei, in his televised address to the people, spoke about the unity […]
The potential consequences of the current trajectory are mixed. Should Europe align fully with the U.S. and Israel, mistrust will peak, and Iran will likely pursue alternative partnerships, particularly in the East, with greater determination. However, if Europe chooses to play a more balanced role, it will have to bear the political cost of resisting Washington — a decision that could shape not only the future of the JCPOA but also Europe’s standing in the international order.
The 80th UN General Assembly was intended as a showcase of multilateralism, yet its sidelines have become a battleground of diplomatic disputes over Iran. The Iranian delegation is articulating its positions with clarity, Europe is caught up in complex calculations, and the U.S. and Israel are doubling down on maximum pressure. The outcome is an uncertain outlook for negotiations — one that could either lead to total deadlock or open up a new opportunity to redefine the path of dialogue.
