US approves visas for top Iranian leaders to attend UN General Assembly
The US government has granted visas to a scaled-down Iranian delegation to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and a military impasse, the US is honoring its host country obligations while imposing strict travel and luxury import restrictions.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the delicate balance between maintaining diplomatic channels during active conflict and enforcing sanctions against adversarial regimes.
Iran’s delegation to UNGA will be smaller this year, with travel restrictions and limits on luxury goods purchases.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info US President Donald Trump meets with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during the 80th United Nations General Assembly, in New York City on September 23, 2025 [Al Drago/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP and AP Published On 17 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 The United States is allowing an Iranian delegation to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City next week, a Department of State spokesman said, in spite of the protracted war that is raging into its seventh month.
A source familiar with the matter confirmed the delegation would cover Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and their essential staff to attend the High-Level Week in person.
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