US Grants Visas to Iranian Delegation for UN General Assembly Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States has issued visas to an Iranian delegation, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, permitting them to attend the UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York. The move comes as the conflict between the U.S. and Iran enters its seventh month.

A U.S. State Department spokesman confirmed the decision on Thursday, noting that the delegation will be subject to travel restrictions and prohibited from purchasing certain American goods. "Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week," the spokesman stated. The delegation will also face prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and other goods, and the delegation is smaller than last year's.

Last year, Iranian diplomats faced similar restrictions, including being barred from shopping at wholesale stores and requiring U.S. permission for luxury purchases. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is currently underway, with the General Debate scheduled to begin Tuesday. Speeches are expected from leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, followed by leaders from Ukraine, Syria, and Iran on Wednesday.

The conflict, which began on February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has led to increased global energy prices and has expanded into neighboring countries. Iran has responded with repeated attacks on U.S. bases, allied states in the Gulf, and Israel. In contrast, the U.S. denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, as the White House does not recognize the legitimacy of their delegation.