US grants visas to Iranian delegation led by President Pezeshkian for UN General Assembly

Visa approval and delegation limits

The United States government approved entry visas on Thursday for an Iranian delegation to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York. The approved group includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and their essential support staff. The decision follows uncertainty earlier in the week, after Tehran stated on Monday that Pezeshkian had not yet received his travel permit. A spokesperson for the US State Department stated that the clearance aligns with international host requirements.

Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week.

Travel curbs and purchase prohibitions

Under the terms of the entry permits, the Iranian contingent will be smaller than the delegation sent in 2025. American officials confirmed that the visiting diplomats will face strict movement limits within New York, as well as prohibitions against purchasing luxury items and other American goods. During the 2025 assembly, Iranian diplomats were barred from shopping at wholesale retailers such as Costco and had to request explicit permission before purchasing items such as jewellery, alcohol, and motor vehicles. Similar restrictions applied during the summer soccer World Cup, when the Iranian national team was required to base its camp in Tijuana, Mexico, entering US territory solely to play scheduled matches.

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.

High-Level Week timetable

The General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly opens on Tuesday in New York. The first day of speeches includes addresses by US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the global body on Wednesday, alongside national leaders from Ukraine and Syria. Although Washington and Tehran do not maintain official bilateral diplomatic ties, the UN Headquarters Agreement obligates the United States to facilitate the entry of accredited foreign representatives.

Regional conflict and contrasting visa decisions

The diplomatic visit occurs as the military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues into its seventh month following joint strikes launched against Iran on 28 February. The fighting has disrupted maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a passage accounting for roughly 20% of global seaborne energy flows. Trump stated that the conflict is nearing its resolution and asserted that direct contacts with Tehran have occurred, even as hostilities persist in Yemen between Houthi forces and the Saudi-led coalition over the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

The visa approval for the Iranian delegation contrasts with Washington's decision to bar Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian officials for a second consecutive year. The State Department announced a broader visa prohibition on officials from the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, attributing the action to unpaid commitments, failure to implement reforms, and efforts to internationalize the conflict through bodies such as the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Palestinian diplomats already accredited to the United Nations will represent the delegation during the assembly.