Iran denies dropping preconditions after three-hour UN talks in New York

Iran denied dropping preconditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz after three-hour UN talks in New York, mediated by Qatar, which Trump called "very productive." Brent crude fell below $100 a barrel for the first time in two weeks on hopes of further talks. Tehran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed the talks but said they aimed to convey Iran's conditions, including ending the war, halting US aggression, lifting the naval siege and economic war, and releasing Iranian assets. Iran has set seven preconditions, saying Hormuz could reopen within seven days if met, though a proposed shipping lane would run mainly through Iranian waters under Iranian control. The talks suggest possible progress, with the US seeking lower oil prices before November midterms. Iran faces intense sanctions and a naval blockade, while its civilian aircraft risk grounding due to secondary sanctions. President Masoud Pezeshkian, an advocate of negotiations, arrived in New York and is due to address the UN General Assembly, with the June 17 memorandum of understanding remaining his starting point.