European Council President Antonio Costa held a meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly to address diplomatic relations and regional stability. Following the encounter, which Costa characterized on social media as a “frank and substantial discussion,” the EU leader publicly urged Iran to resume cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The dialogue comes amid heightened concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program and its regional activities. Costa utilized the platform to demand an cessation of Iranian military strikes against neighboring countries. Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint that has seen increased volatility. While the meeting signifies a continued channel for communication between the European Union and Tehran, the specific outcomes regarding nuclear compliance or a de-escalation of regional hostilities remain subject to ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The EU continues to push for a return to transparency regarding Iran's nuclear activities, though the Iranian government's formal response to these specific demands following the meeting has not been detailed in initial reports.