Morning recap

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

President Donald Trump claimed US and Iranian representatives held "very good" talks at the United Nations, just hours after he threatened Iran with "annihilation."

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported that the US engaged in "lengthy talks" with the Iranian delegation via mediators who facilitated communication between the two sides throughout the day.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran conducted discussions with the United States through a Qatari mediator in New York, expressing conditions such as an end to warfare on all fronts and a halt to acts of aggression, as per state news agency IRNA.

Colombia announced it has withdrawn its Article 63 declaration of intervention in South Africa's Gaza genocide case against Israel, according to the International Court of Justice.

An Israeli airstrike on al-Khiam in southern Lebanon damaged power supply lines, causing a complete power outage in the Nabaa el-Hamas area overnight.

A Palestinian was killed and three others were injured in Israeli shelling near al-Nafaq Street, east of Gaza City, on late Tuesday night.

Canadian, Croatian, and Angolan prime ministers, along with the UN Secretary General, joined a chorus of world leaders condemning the genocide against Palestinians and calling for a two-state solution at the UN General Assembly.

Oil prices declined on Wednesday following Trump's remarks about the meetings between the US and Iran, bringing the number of transiting commodity vessels through the Strait of Hormuz down to three, compared to four the day before and below the 10-day moving average of about 15.

Ras Tanura terminal in Saudi Arabia reported its busiest loading day since before the war on September 21, as six very large crude carriers (VLCCs) loaded nearly 12 million barrels at Ras Tanura and Juaymah.