Trump Cites Momentum for Iran Deal During UNGA Meeting with Sheikh Tamim and Gulf Leaders in New York

United States President Donald Trump has signalled growing momentum towards a potential agreement with Iran during a multilateral meeting attended by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and regional Gulf leaders on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Opening the U.S.-hosted meeting, Trump stated that U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner had held a productive session earlier in the day with mediators working between Washington and Tehran. Qatar has been actively involved in regional efforts to restore negotiations as tensions surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz persist.

According to a statement from Qatar’s Amiri Diwan, the discussions focused on regional security developments, their implications for stability, and the subsequent impact on energy supplies and the economy. Leaders also explored post-war strategies and diplomatic solutions. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani participated as part of the Amir’s delegation.

The Strait of Hormuz was a central focus of Trump’s remarks, as he linked the security of the waterway to broader U.S. strategy towards Iran. Highlighting the role of the U.S. Navy in clearing mines and facilitating oil shipments, Trump noted that over one billion barrels of oil had been escorted out of the Gulf during the recent period, offering a light-hearted remark directed at Sheikh Tamim regarding the volume.

Behind these exchanges lies the critical regional priority of restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has emphasized that Doha is working alongside partners such as Oman and Pakistan to facilitate engagement and bridge gaps between the U.S. and Iran.

During his address to the 81st UNGA, Sheikh Tamim reinforced Qatar's commitment to diplomacy, humanitarian action, and international law, stressing that dialogue remains the essential path to resolving regional crises. Trump echoed confidence that a settlement could eventually be reached, while reaffirming that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a core objective for the United States.