{
  "id": 8854879,
  "title": "Trump widens Gulf talks to Iraq and Jordan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/trump-widens-gulf-talks-to-iraq-and-jordan",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T05:39:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Arabian Post",
    "slug": "arabian-post",
    "url": "https://thearabianpost.com/trump-widens-gulf-talks-to-iraq-and-jordan/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President Donald Trump will extend a scheduled gathering with Gulf officials in New York to incorporate Iraq and Jordan, expanding talks with Arab nations as Washington deliberates its next course in the Iran conflict. The meeting, set for Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly, will bring together leaders and senior officials from the six Gulf Cooperation Council states, alongside representatives from Iraq and Jordan. Egypt may also participate, according to informed sources. Iran is anticipated to be the primary focus, addressing the US-Iran situation, Tehran's network of armed allies, and security concerns for Gulf states facing threats from missile, drone, and maritime attacks. Trump aims to gather direct input from regional partners before determining whether to resume major military operations against Iran. The discussions come as the 81st session of the General Assembly commences its high-level phase in New York, with the general debate beginning on Tuesday and concluding on September 28. Trump announced last week that he is nearing a significant decision on Iran and has not ruled out renewed large-scale strikes, though diplomatic options with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remain open. Gulf governments have stressed the need for regional stability and have warned that a broader conflict could jeopardize energy infrastructure, maritime routes, and economic activity. Their apprehensions have grown as Iranian-backed groups, especially the Houthis in Yemen, have intensified attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the Bab Al Mandeb strait. US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz reported at a recent New York discussion that Washington is observing the deployment of advanced Iranian weapons, including drones and cruise missiles, to allied groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. Anwar Gargash, UAE's diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated at the same discussion that a lasting regional solution necessitates direct involvement of Arab states in discussions with Iran, emphasizing that strategic issues should not be limited to talks between Tehran and Washington. Iraq's involvement adds a security dimension, as the nation nears the September 30 conclusion of the US-led coalition mission against ISIS and grapples with the status and weapons of Iran-aligned armed groups within its borders. Jordan's inclusion reflects the wider regional ramifications of the conflict, as Amman aims to mitigate spillover effects from disputes near its borders while preserving close security ties with Washington and strong relations with Gulf capitals. The diplomatic drive also follows intensified Houthi attacks and threats against Saudi Arabia, heightening concerns over vital export routes and infrastructure. The US regards the Houthis as an Iranian proxy, while Iran denies allegations of direct control over the group. Trump's administration has maintained substantial US military presence in the Middle East while maintaining an open stance on both military and diplomatic options. The White House is also evaluating the structure of a post-conflict regional security framework, encompassing efforts to contain Iran and enhance coordination between Washington's Arab allies. Iranian officials have cautioned that additional US attacks would provoke a strong response against American interests and potentially regional states seen as aiding Washington. Tehran has also linked future negotiations to disputes over sanctions, nuclear activities, and security arrangements impacting strategic waterways. The New York consultations are expected to assess how far Arab governments can influence Washington's calculations at a time when they are striving to avoid another escalation cycle. Gulf officials contend that security arrangements must address the concerns of states directly affected by the potential consequences of renewed fighting.",
  "summary": "US President Donald Trump will expand a planned meeting with Gulf officials in New York this week to include Iraq and Jordan, broadening consultations with Arab governments as Washington weighs its next steps in the conflict with Iran. The meeting is expected on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders and senior officials from the six Gulf Cooperation…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}