EU meets Iran to discuss reopening Strait of Hormuz at UNGA

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday, 23 September, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss maritime security and the de-escalation of regional conflict. The talks focused on securing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, two of the world's most critical energy transit points. Diplomatic efforts for maritime passage Kallas confirmed the discussions via social media, stating that the EU is seeking a return to unrestricted maritime movement through the strategic waterways. She noted that no tolls or fees existed for passage through the Strait of Hormuz prior to the current conflict and insisted that these conditions must be restored once hostilities conclude. Iran has reportedly offered to reopen the Strait within seven days if the United States retreats from specific positions, though the Iranian government maintains that certain provisions of existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) must be fulfilled before formal negotiations resume. The meeting occurs as US mediators, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, conducted a separate three-hour session with intermediaries to discuss a potential deal with Tehran. Former US President Donald Trump described the progress as positive, suggesting the alternative to a negotiated settlement for Iran was "obliteration," while a deal could lead to "potential greatness" for the country.…