European Council President António Costa met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The two leaders held talks on the sidelines of the assembly on September 23. The meeting focused on regional security, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During the meeting, Costa urged Iran to end strikes against neighboring countries and called for the full restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He also urged Tehran to resume cooperation with the IAEA.
Costa described the discussions as frank and emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement in addressing regional disputes. European officials have continued to call for diplomatic efforts to reduce the risk of further military escalation in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for European and international officials because of its importance to global energy and maritime trade. Recent military confrontations have disrupted commercial shipping in the area and raised concerns about the security of vessels using the waterway. Iran has separately linked the reopening of the strait to changes in U.S. military pressure and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Nuclear issues also remain central to relations between Iran and European governments. Costa’s call for renewed cooperation with the IAEA comes as international officials continue to seek greater access and transparency regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
The meeting provided another channel for direct communication between Tehran and European officials during the UN General Assembly. Future developments will depend on Iran’s response to European concerns over regional security, maritime navigation, and nuclear cooperation.