US to allow Iran delegation to attend UN meetings in New York as war passes half-year mark

What Happened

The US State Department confirmed on Thursday that it had granted visas to a core Iranian delegation for the 81st UN General Assembly High Level Week in New York. The BBC understands the permitted core delegation includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said the delegation, smaller than last year, will be placed under travel restrictions and banned from purchasing luxury and other goods, mirroring last year's restrictions that included a ban on shopping at wholesale stores such as Costco. Pigott framed the restrictions as preventing Iranian elites from exploiting UNGA while Iranians face water and electricity shortages, brutal repression and soaring inflation. The article reports the war between the US and Iran began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran; since then Iran has repeatedly attacked US bases and allied states in the Gulf, as well as Israel, and the conflict has driven up global energy prices and expanded into neighbouring countries. The US also denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation for a second consecutive year.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The visa decision allows direct Iranian diplomatic presence in New York while the US and Iran are engaged in a war that has expanded regionally and hit global energy markets. The restrictions and Pigott's public framing signal continued US hostility and domestic political pressure, but the issuance of visas also upholds US host-country obligations to the UN and could create space for indirect or direct diplomatic contact during the General Debate. The contrast with the visa denial for the Palestinian delegation underscores the selective application of host-country access amid broader Middle East tensions.

Watch For

The UN General Assembly General Debate begins Tuesday, with speeches from US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and French President Emmanuel Macron; Wednesday is expected to include speeches from the leaders of Ukraine, Syria, and Iran. Monitor whether Iranian President Pezeshkian or Foreign Minister Araghchi make public statements or hold bilateral meetings, whether the limited delegation affects Iran's UN engagement, and whether any further US travel or sanctions restrictions are announced during High Level Week. Also watch for Iranian or US military actions around the UNGA period, given the ongoing conflict since 28 February.