The US State Department will allow a core Iranian delegation to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, citing host country obligations despite ongoing conflict.
Key facts
- •The US is allowing a core Iranian delegation to attend the UN General Assembly despite an ongoing war between the two nations.
- •Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi are among those granted visas.
- •The Iranian delegation will be smaller than in previous years and faces strict travel and luxury goods purchase prohibitions.
- •The US denied entry to Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, for the second consecutive year.
- •The US government cited its 1947 UN headquarters agreement as the basis for allowing the Iranian delegation access.
The US State Department announced it will grant visas to a core delegation of Iranian officials to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York. The decision, confirmed by a spokesperson, fulfills US obligations as the host country for the UN headquarters. The delegation is expected to include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, though the group will be smaller than in previous years and subject to strict travel and purchasing restrictions.
Visa Restrictions and Conditions
While the US is permitting the Iranian officials to enter the country, the State Department noted that the delegation will face specific limitations. These include prohibitions on the purchase of luxury goods and travel restrictions that typically limit movement to the UN headquarters, the Iranian mission, the ambassador's residence, and John F. Kennedy Airport. The US maintains the right to deny visas for security, terrorism, or foreign policy reasons under the 1947 UN headquarters agreement, but opted to grant access in this instance.
Palestinian Delegation Denied Entry
In a separate action, the Trump administration confirmed it is denying entry to Palestinian officials for the UN meeting. This extends a ban that has been in place since last year, affecting officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, including President Mahmoud Abbas. The US cited failures to reform and activities undermining peace prospects as reasons for the denial. Palestinian representation at the assembly will be limited to diplomats already accredited to the UN.
Timeline
- February 28The war between the US and Iran began following mutual attacks.
- ThursdayThe US State Department announced it would allow Iranian officials to attend the UN General Assembly.
- Next weekThe UN General Assembly High-Level Week is scheduled to take place in New York.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Al-Monitor, Al Jazeera.
