US Allows Iranian Delegation To Attend UN Meetings In New York

The United States will allow a delegation of senior Iranian officials to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York despite the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The US State Department disclosed the decision on Thursday, saying the move was in line with Washington’s obligations as host country of the United Nations.

The delegation is expected to include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with the decision.

A State Department spokesperson said the Iranian delegation would be smaller than last year’s and would be subject to travel restrictions and limits on the purchase of luxury goods and other items.

The delegation’s visit comes as the United States and Iran remain in conflict while diplomatic efforts continue over ending the hostilities.

The United States has previously imposed restrictions on the movement of Iranian officials visiting New York for UN meetings, limiting their travel largely to the United Nations headquarters, Iran’s UN mission, the Iranian ambassador’s residence and John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, the United States is generally required to facilitate access to the UN for foreign diplomats, although Washington maintains that visas can be denied on security, terrorism and foreign policy grounds.

The decision to allow the Iranian delegation comes a day after the Trump administration announced that Palestinian officials, including Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, would be denied entry for this year’s UN General Assembly.

The US said the restrictions on Palestinian officials were linked to what it described as their failure to meet commitments to Washington and actions that undermine prospects for peace.

The UN General Assembly’s high-level week is scheduled to begin next week in New York, with world leaders expected to attend meetings at the UN headquarters.