The United States and Iran held indirect discussions through mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday, with Qatar facilitating contacts, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said. The talks followed months of conflict that began with President Donald Trump's announcement of major combat operations on Feb. 28 and included joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on military, government and infrastructure sites. Earlier negotiations in June, based on a memorandum of understanding signed by both countries, collapsed as strikes continued, with the Strait of Hormuz becoming the main flashpoint. On Wednesday, UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) said a vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the strait; the ship caught fire and drifted, its crew was evacuated, and two casualties were reported. Trump said Iran faced a choice between a deal and annihilation, while Iranian officials rejected his threats and pledged to resist. The White House did not immediately comment on the reported talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump was open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while arguing that Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon would allow it to control the Strait of Hormuz and threaten global energy supplies. Rubio said roughly 60% to 70% of oil flows through the strait had been restored, but linked elevated prices partly to Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.