Trump open to meeting Iran's Pezeshkian as tensions rise

President Donald Trump said he is open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York this week, even as Washington weighs military action and Tehran sets conditions to end the nearly seven-month-old war. The potential encounter could occur during the UN General Assembly, where both leaders will be present. Iran has conveyed seven conditions through mediators, including ending the war, releasing frozen assets, and lifting the naval blockade, while Iranian military leaders warn of retaliation against US bases if attacked. Trump said he is in "deciding mode" between economic pressure, military action, or a deal, and separately plans to meet Gulf leaders. Pezeshkian insists Iran does not want war but will not yield to force, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key leverage point.