US Grants Visas to Iranian President Pezeshkian and Delegation for UN General Assembly

WASHINGTON: The United States has granted visas to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other members of Iran’s delegation to attend the high-level session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.

According to the US administration, the Iranian delegation will be permitted to attend the UN General Assembly despite the ongoing military confrontation and tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The decision does not remove existing restrictions on Iranian officials while they are in the United States.

Reuters reported that Iranian delegates will remain subject to strict travel restrictions, generally limiting their movement to the UN compound and designated areas.

The delegation will also face restrictions on purchasing certain luxury goods and other US products.

US officials said Iran’s delegation this year will be smaller than last year’s delegation.

The decision to allow Pezeshkian and Araghchi to enter New York comes amid continued tensions over the Iran conflict and Washington’s relations with Tehran.

The United States is obliged under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement to facilitate access for foreign diplomats attending UN proceedings, although Washington maintains certain restrictions under its domestic sanctions and security measures.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly begins its high-level week in New York next week, with major international issues expected to dominate discussions.

Iran’s war with the United States and Israel is among the key issues expected to feature prominently, alongside the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, global security, climate change and other international challenges.

Pezeshkian is expected to address the General Assembly, while Araghchi is likely to hold diplomatic meetings with counterparts from various countries on the sidelines of the session.

The visa decision gives Iran’s leadership an opportunity to participate directly in one of the most important annual diplomatic gatherings.

The development comes after several recent diplomatic contacts involving Iran, China and other regional countries, as efforts continue to reduce tensions and explore possible diplomatic avenues.

Washington’s decision to permit the Iranian delegation to attend the UN gathering represents a limited diplomatic opening even as major differences between the two governments remain unresolved.