US permits a core Iranian delegation to attend the UN General Assembly in New York, despite ongoing tensions with Iran. The Trump administration has granted visas to key Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, for the event. The delegation will face travel restrictions and prohibitions on luxury goods purchases.
The delegation is smaller than last year and will be subject to travel restrictions and prohibitions on the purchase of luxury goods. The State Department spokesperson confirmed that the delegation will be under strict conditions, including limited movement between the UN headquarters, the Iranian UN mission, and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport.
The decision aligns with the US’s obligations under the 1947 UN headquarters agreement, which requires the US to allow access to the UN for foreign diplomats. However, the US can deny visas for security, terrorism, and foreign policy reasons. The Trump administration has also denied entry to Palestinian officials for the UN meeting, citing concerns over their role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The US has maintained a policy of restricting Iranian diplomats from accessing certain areas and purchasing luxury goods, despite the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Trump administration has held intermittent talks with Iranian leaders aimed at resolving the conflict, which began on Feb 28 when the US and Israel attacked Iran.