US Grants Visas to Iranian Delegation for UN General Assembly Despite Strict Travel and Shopping Restrictions

An Iranian delegation has received permission to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York next week, according to a Thursday announcement from the State Department.

This decision follows a previous US action denying travel visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian leaders for the global summit, with officials citing accountability for "glorifying terrorism."

A State Department representative stated, “Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week. The delegation is smaller than last year.”

The official also noted that Iranian delegates will face travel restrictions and strict bans on purchasing luxury goods during their stay in the US.

Although the US designates Tehran as a state sponsor of terrorism, visas were approved for members of Iran's core delegation. A diplomat confirmed to The National that Mr Pezeshkian is expected to attend, mirroring his presence last year and in 2024, while US media outlets reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will also be present.

Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly voted on Thursday to permit Mr Abbas to address next week's gathering via video link after the US denied him entry.