US Approves Visas for Iranian Leaders to Attend UN General Assembly
The Trump administration has approved visas for senior Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly high-level meetings in New York, despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.
The US State Department said Thursday that visas had been approved for Iran’s “core delegation” and essential staff members participating in the UN meetings. US officials confirmed that Pezeshkian and Araghchi are part of the delegation, speaking on condition of anonymity because of visa privacy laws.
The decision comes as the United States and Iran remain engaged in a prolonged conflict, with intermittent diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving disputes over the war, maritime security and Iran’s nuclear program.
The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli military action against Iran, with Tehran subsequently carrying out strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases, according to reports.
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The State Department said the Iranian delegation would be permitted to attend the UN General Assembly in line with US obligations as the host country.
However, the delegation will face restrictions on movement in New York and limits on the purchase of luxury and other goods. The Iranian delegation will also be smaller than last year’s contingent.
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The approval comes amid heightened regional tensions, including disruptions affecting major maritime routes and attacks attributed to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. These developments have contributed to concerns over energy supplies and global oil prices.
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Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly during the high-level week. The decision to allow the Iranian delegation to attend also highlights the diplomatic obligations faced by the US as host of the UN headquarters, even amid severe tensions with Tehran.