US and Iran trade threats after first talks in months

US President Donald Trump threatened to "annihilate" Iran during his UN General Assembly speech on Tuesday, hours after US officials held a "very good" meeting with Iranian leaders. Iran's military responded by warning of "crushing" attacks. The talks, the first in-person US-Iran meeting in months, involved Trump's envoys and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with mediators shuttling between teams. Trump said another meeting was expected soon, citing "momentum" toward an agreement. Analysts say the hostile rhetoric is part of a bargaining strategy, with both sides addressing domestic audiences while negotiating. Key disputes include US sanctions and naval blockade versus Iran's nuclear programme and Strait of Hormuz navigation.