US to allow Iran delegation to attend UN meetings in New York

The US government has granted visas to Iranian officials so they can travel to the UN General Assembly in New York next week, as the war between the two countries grinds into its seventh month.

The BBC understands the core delegation permitted to attend includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

A spokesman for the US State Department confirmed the decision on Thursday, saying that the delegation will be placed under travel restrictions and will be banned from purchasing certain American products.

The move comes as the war shows no sign of ending. Since it began in February, it has driven up global energy prices, and expanded into neighbouring countries.

“Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week,” a spokesman for the US State Department told the BBC.

“The delegation will be under travel restrictions and will face prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and other goods per our policy. The delegation is smaller than last year.”

Last year, diplomats attending from Iran were banned from shopping at wholesale stores like Costco. They also were required to seek permission from the US before purchasing luxury goods, including jewellery, alcohol and cars.

State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said the US would prevent the diplomats from “going on shopping sprees” as the Iranian people deal with water and electricity shortages, “brutal repression”, and “soaring inflation”.

“We will not let the Iranian regime’s elites exploit UNGA for a luxury retail splurge paid for by the Iranian people’s suffering, all while the regime funnels Iran’s wealth to support its terrorist proxies,” he posted on X, warning New York shops to “be on guard” against selling goods to the delegation.

He did not indicate if the US was aware of any specific plans from the delegation to buy luxury items.

The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is currently underway. The General Debate – the centrepiece of the annual event – is due to begin on Tuesday.

Tuesday will include speeches from US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and France President Emmanuel Macron.

Wednesday is expected to see speeches from the leaders of Ukraine, Syria and Iran.

Public and political pressure has mounted on the White House to find an end to the conflict with Iran, which began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on the country.

Since the war began, Iran has repeatedly attacked US bases and allied states in the Gulf, as well as Israel.

The BBC recently learned that the US denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation to attend UNGA.

The White House, which does not recognise the legitimacy of the Palestinian delegation, denied them visas for a second year in a row.