US grants visas to Iranian delegation for UN General Assembly meetings in New York

The United States has approved visas for members of Iran’s official delegation to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York, despite the continuing conflict between the two countries, according to reports on Thursday.

A US State Department spokesperson confirmed that Washington would allow Iran’s principal delegation to participate in next week’s General Assembly proceedings, citing the United States’ international obligations as host country of the UN headquarters.

“In accordance with our international obligations, the main Iranian delegation will be able to participate in the UN General Assembly proceedings,” the spokesperson said.

Members of the Iranian delegation will, however, face restrictions on their movements and spending while in the United States, according to the State Department.

The restrictions reportedly include limits on travel outside designated areas and a prohibition on purchasing certain luxury goods, in line with measures Washington has previously imposed on Iranian officials visiting New York for UN meetings.

The State Department spokesperson said the Iranian delegation would also be smaller than the delegation that attended last year’s General Assembly.

According to US officials cited in the reports, the delegation is expected to include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The decision comes as the conflict involving the United States and Iran continues into its seventh month, with diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran remaining severely strained.

As the host country of the United Nations headquarters, the United States is generally required under its agreement with the UN to facilitate access for representatives of member states attending official UN meetings, including those from countries subject to US sanctions or with which Washington has strained diplomatic relations.