Iranian FM Stays in New York for Indirect Talks Despite U.S. Rejection
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remains in New York for indirect talks with the U.S. despite President Donald Trump rejecting Tehran's latest proposal.
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of Iran's proposal to renew a memorandum of understanding, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remains in New York to continue indirect talks with the United States. According to two diplomatic sources, Araghchi is preparing an improved Iranian response addressing several disputed issues.
Araghchi recently met with American advisers, including Robert Malley, a senior official in the Obama administration and one of the architects of the 2015 nuclear deal. Malley was later appointed by former U.S. President Joe Biden to lead negotiations with Iran, but was suspended in 2023.
Although the official reason for his suspension was the mishandling of classified documents, reports emerged that individuals close to Malley were involved in an Iranian influence network known as the Iran Experts Initiative. The network was designed to promote Tehran's positions in Washington.
According to diplomatic sources, Malley and other members of that network are likely advising Araghchi and Iran in the current negotiations with the United States. The U.S. State Department strongly criticized the involvement, calling it a grave error by Malley that casts serious doubt on his previous official activities.
Diplomats added that a central reason for rejecting the Iranian proposal is the firm opposition of four Gulf states to any agreement that does not fully eliminate the military and nuclear threat. In one of Trump's conversations with a Gulf leader, explicit support was expressed for regime change in Tehran, a goal Washington and Jerusalem view as achievable.
