The United States has approved visas enabling a core Iranian delegation to participate in the UN General Assembly High Level Week, which begins later this week. The decision grants access to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, among other officials. The authorization comes as military conflict between the two nations continues, having begun in February and expanding across the region with significant global economic consequences.
The US State Department announced the visa approval on Thursday while simultaneously implementing restrictions on the delegation’s activities. Officials indicated the Iranian representatives will face limitations on their travel and purchasing power within the United States. Specifically, they are prohibited from buying certain luxury goods and other products, consistent with restrictions applied to previous Iranian delegations attending the annual gathering.
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott emphasized the rationale behind the purchasing restrictions, noting that Iranian citizens face severe domestic challenges including water and electricity shortages and economic hardship. He characterized the measure as preventing the delegation from engaging in luxury shopping while ordinary Iranians suffer economic difficulties. Last year’s restrictions included prohibitions on wholesale shopping and requirements to obtain approval before purchasing items such as jewelry, alcohol, and vehicles.
The General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly session is scheduled to begin later this week, with speeches from US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and France President Emmanuel Macron planned for Tuesday. Iranian leadership is expected to address the assembly on Wednesday. The visa approval for Iran’s delegation contrasts with the White House’s decision to deny visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year.
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