Iran lawmakers seek foreign minister's removal over US contacts; oil plunges

Iranian legislators are seeking the removal of Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi over his meetings with President Donald Trump's envoys in New York. The push comes at a time when Iran's oil exports have hit zero.

Washington, however, gives a different account of the interactions. Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy, said the discussions were conducted via intermediaries.

Why Iran's Hardline Faction Wants Araghchi Removed

Amirhossein Sabeti, a lawmaker from Tehran, submitted the impeachment motion. According to The National, Sabeti claimed Araghchi met Witkoff 'without permission from the leader' — a reference to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

State television in Iran reported that the two met at the United Nations on September 22. The New Arab says the broadcaster stated that Witkoff requested the meeting.

Axios reported, citing Witkoff: “We engaged in lengthy talks with the Iranian delegation through the mediators, who shuttled between the two sides throughout the day.”

The foreign ministry in Iran also stated that communication was solely via Qatari intermediaries, according to IranWire. Lawmaker Mojtaba Zarei said Araghchi possessed the necessary approval.

Previously, this parliament removed one of President Masoud Pezeshkian's ministers. In March 2025, 182 out of 273 legislators dismissed Economy Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati, as reported by Al Jazeera.

By Tuesday, the motion had not been submitted to parliament's presiding board, which is the preliminary stage before a formal review.

Has Dialogue With the US Ended?

Trump described the New York discussions as 'very productive.' But by September 27, after turning down Iran's ceasefire offer, his tone turned more distant.

Axios reported: “They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make.”

He also informed Axios that he anticipates further negotiations.

According to Kpler data, Iran loaded no crude for export in September — the first such occurrence since 1979. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned on Sunday.

Iran had roughly 90 million barrels of crude stored aboard tankers in July. By early September, that figure had dropped to 29 million, according to Kpler. As BeInCrypto noted when the oil minister resigned, those reserves could be exhausted this month.

When questioned about further strikes on Iran, Trump stated he is 'always thinking about it.'

Oil Falls to a One-Month Low

Crude prices continued to decline on Tuesday. The US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 2.5% to $88, its lowest point in roughly a month.

Global benchmark Brent crude decreased 2.6% to $100.46, marking its third consecutive daily decline.

Supply from Iran's neighboring countries is returning. Saudi Arabia's energy minister stated that the kingdom's East-West Pipeline is once again transporting 5.8 million barrels per day. The pipeline moves crude across Saudi Arabia to the Red Sea, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz.

Additionally, the Group of Seven (G7) has agreed to release 100 million barrels from emergency oil reserves.