US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly asked Iran’s negotiating team, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to leave the United States on Monday after diplomatic discussions reached a deadlock. The decision came during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, where US-Iran talks had continued despite several rounds of discussions and the exchange of proposals.
The move was an unprecedented diplomatic censure, especially because the Iranian delegation was already about to depart the nation. Araghchi had a travel scheduled for later that day, but Rubio’s reported directive showed the mounting irritation with the lack of progress in discussions between Washington and Tehran.
Why US-Iran Talks Reached a Deadlock
The negotiations took place during the United Nations General Assembly, which brought Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and his entourage to the United States earlier this September. Pezeshkian returned to Iran after making his speech and meeting with other officials, while Araghchi stayed in New York to continue diplomatic efforts.
Araghchi spoke with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. Qatari authorities also facilitated indirect communication between the two parties as they sought common ground on critical topics.
The White House had anticipated that the meetings would generate results on Monday. However, the discussions allegedly came to a halt later in the day, with Washington and Tehran failing to agree on the conditions of a potential deal.
A US official stated the Iranian delegation had “overstayed their welcome” and that the UN General Assembly had ended, thus it was time for them to depart. Although Araghchi and his staff were already due to depart, the alleged directive heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
US-Iran Talks Continue Over Seven-Day Proposal
Despite the lack of progress in New York, diplomatic efforts have persisted with proposals and mediator-led meetings. Iran proposed a seven-day plan based on a prior memorandum of understanding, hoping to speed up the process of achieving a deal.
The proposal attempted to shorten the negotiating timetable by replacing the prior memorandum’s 60-day term with seven days. Iran’s approach included stipulations related to the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and the commencement of larger conversations.
US President Donald Trump has openly rejected Iran’s newest offering. However, the government proceeded to transmit its reaction via diplomatic channels, allowing for more deliberation.
Following his return to Iran, Araghchi conveyed the US response to President Pezeshkian at a Cabinet meeting, according to Iranian government spokesman Fatemeh Mohajerani. Pezeshkian indicated that his administration will continue to strive for an accord while protecting Iran’s national interests.
He also highlighted that any prospective deal should have a win-win strategy, underscoring Tehran’s belief that an agreement must benefit both nations.
Qatar has resumed its mediation efforts, with diplomats seeking to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran. The primary points of contention are the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, US sanctions, and Iran’s nuclear program.
The reported order for the Iranian team to depart New York has posed yet another barrier to an already tough diplomatic process. However, the continuous engagement of mediators and the exchange of suggestions show that diplomatic channels are still functioning, even as the two governments struggle to achieve an agreement.
