U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that the "door is open" for Iran to re-engage in negotiations and suggested the Trump administration believes strategic patience is advantageous in the ongoing conflict.
Speaking at an Al-Monitor Live event in New York during the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Waltz defended the administration's strategy concerning Iran and highlighted the Abraham Accords, which recently marked their sixth anniversary. These U.S.-brokered agreements normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, and Bahrain, having been signed at the White House on September 15, 2020.
When questioned about the U.S. perspective on the conflict, which began on February 28, Ambassador Waltz affirmed, "I do believe that to be the case," indicating that the United States feels time is on its side. He reiterated that "the door is open for Iran to come back to the negotiating table," while characterizing reports of Tehran demanding the lifting of U.S. sanctions and reparations as conditions for resuming talks as "fantastical."
Waltz asserted that "The Iranian regime is at its weakest point since 1979 and it’s getting weaker," citing economic pressures including the devaluation of Iran's currency. He expressed hope that Iran "will come back [to talks], hopefully peacefully and diplomatically." The Iranian rial has recently reached a record low against the U.S. dollar, exacerbated by war-related pressures, U.S. sanctions, and restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
The ambassador also promoted the Trump administration's approach to Gaza as an innovative form of "multilateralism" focused on specific challenges, involving countries with a vested interest in resolution. This strategy includes Trump's Board of Peace, overseeing the implementation of a 20-point Gaza plan, which encompasses a Palestinian technocratic committee for governance, reconstruction efforts, and an International Stabilization Force. While progress on the disarmament of militant groups and Israeli withdrawal has stalled, Waltz anticipates discussions with Israel will advance following their elections.
Ambassador Waltz indicated that "prospective members" have expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords, though he did not name specific countries. He commended Israel and Morocco for their recent agreement to exchange ambassadors, thereby elevating their ties. Furthermore, he praised Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's efforts to integrate Iran-backed militias under state control, suggesting that Iran's diminished influence creates an opportunity to curtail the power of these groups, which represents a critical test for Baghdad's ability to assert state authority over armed factions.
