U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered Iran’s foreign minister and his delegation to leave New York earlier than planned after indirect negotiations with Washington stalled, according to two U.S. officials.
The order was issued on Monday, September 28, as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remained in New York following the United Nations General Assembly, officials said.
The delegation had been expected to depart on Wednesday.
The move adds a sharp diplomatic rupture to already strained U.S.-Iran relations, with negotiations focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the conflict and returning to discussions over Iran’s nuclear program.
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Why Marco Rubio ordered the delegation to leave
The Iranian delegation had been granted visas to attend the annual gathering of world leaders, although the United States imposed strict limits on the group’s movement and activities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian left New York the day after addressing the United Nations last week.
Araghchi stayed behind as intermediaries attempted to advance talks with the Trump administration.
According to the officials, the White House initially believed progress might be possible on September 28.
By later that day, however, the discussions had reached a stalemate, prompting Rubio to direct the delegation to leave.
The decision was described by one U.S. official as an indication that the Iranian delegation had remained in the United States beyond the useful diplomatic window.
The officials were not publicly identified because they were discussing internal diplomatic actions.
Talks centred on the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear restrictions
The discussions took place against the backdrop of a wider confrontation involving Iran, the United States and the strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global energy shipments moves.
Rubio said in remarks in New York on September 23 that the central U.S. demand was that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon.
He also indicated that the talks were being conducted through mediators rather than as a direct public negotiation between the two governments.
President Donald Trump made the same nuclear issue a central part of his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, saying the United States would not permit Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The Strait of Hormuz has added another layer of urgency.
Any prolonged disruption in the waterway could affect energy markets, shipping routes and the security calculations of countries across the Gulf region.
What the departure order means
The instruction does not necessarily mean that all diplomatic contacts have ended.
Qatari mediators were continuing to discuss a compromise proposal with both sides after the Iranian delegation was told to leave, according to officials familiar with the talks.
It does, however, show how quickly the administration’s diplomatic posture can shift when negotiations fail to produce movement.
Allowing the delegation to remain in New York had created a channel for further discussions; ending the stay signals that Washington did not want the talks to continue under the same conditions.
The United States and Iran have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980.
As a result, intermediaries and meetings around international events have often served as limited channels for communication during periods of tension.
The latest dispute also follows a series of increasingly hard-line U.S. actions and statements toward Iran, including renewed pressure over its nuclear activities and demands related to regional security.
What happens next
Iran’s delegation is expected to leave New York, while mediators assess whether negotiations can resume through another channel.
The immediate issues remain the Strait of Hormuz, the military conflict and the terms for any renewed nuclear discussions.
Neither side has announced a final agreement.
The absence of a deal leaves open the possibility of further diplomatic efforts, but the early departure of Iran’s foreign minister shows that the current round of talks ended without a publicly acknowledged breakthrough.
For governments and businesses watching the dispute, the next signs will likely include any statement from Tehran, further U.S. measures and whether mediators can bring the two sides back to a negotiating framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Marco Rubio order Iran’s delegation to leave New York?
U.S. officials said Rubio ordered the delegation to leave after indirect talks with Washington stalled on September 28, 2026.
Who was leading Iran’s delegation?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remained in New York after President Masoud Pezeshkian left following his United Nations appearance.
What issues were discussed by the United States and Iran?
The talks involved the Strait of Hormuz, ending the conflict and the future of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
Did the United States and Iran reach an agreement?
No final agreement was announced. Mediators were still attempting to maintain contact after the delegation was ordered to depart.
What could happen next?
Further discussions could take place through mediators, but the early departure signals that the latest round ended without a breakthrough.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against U.S. government statements and current reporting from officials familiar with the diplomatic discussions.
Disclaimer: Diplomatic developments can change quickly, and further statements from Washington, Tehran or mediators may alter the situation.