US Grants Visa to Iranian Delegation to Attend United Nations General Assembly in New York

Last year, during the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masud Pajeskian (left) shook hands with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The United States has issued visas to the Iranian delegation, including President Masud Pajeskian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York next week. A spokesperson from the US State Department stated that strict travel restrictions will be imposed on the Iranian delegation and they will not be allowed unrestricted movement.

October 18, Kathmandu – As the conflict between the US and Iran enters its seventh month, the US government has granted visas to Iranian officials to participate in the UN General Assembly scheduled for next week in New York. According to reports, the authorized Iranian delegation includes President Masud Pajeskian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed this decision on Thursday.

This announcement comes amid no signs of an end to the Iran-US conflict, which began in February. The conflict has significantly increased the prices of oil and gas worldwide and has also led to tensions spreading to neighboring countries. Despite being granted visas under strict restrictions, the Iranian delegation is not permitted free movement within the US. The spokesperson noted, “As the host nation, we ensure the Iranian regime’s principal delegation can participate in high-level weekly meetings at the United Nations General Assembly. However, they will be subject to stringent travel restrictions.”

According to the spokesperson, US policy will prohibit the Iranian delegation from purchasing luxury goods and certain American products. The delegation visiting this year is also smaller compared to the 2022 delegation. It is worth recalling that in past visits to the US, Iranian diplomats were barred from shopping at large wholesale stores like Costco.