U.S. Grants Iran UN Visas With Movement Restrictions

The U.S. State Department announced Thursday that it will grant entry visas to several senior Iranian officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to participate in the UN General Assembly in New York next week. However, members of the Iranian delegation will be subject to movement restrictions during their stay in the country.

"Consistent with our obligations as host country, a senior delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to participate in the General Assembly's High-Level Week at the UN, but will be subject to movement restrictions. Additionally, they will be prohibited from purchasing luxury goods and other products, in accordance with our policy," the American statement said. It was further emphasized that "the delegation will be smaller compared to last year."

Last night it was reported that the United States is refusing to grant Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas and members of his delegation entry visas that would allow them to reach New York, marking the second consecutive year. Simultaneously, Washington announced it is extending visa restrictions that apply to Palestinian Authority and PLO officials.

Following the decision, the General Assembly, which comprises 193 member states, is expected to vote on allowing Abbas to deliver a video address next week instead of traveling physically to New York. Last year as well, the PA chairman participated in the gathering via video after failing to receive a visa.

The move continues a policy already implemented ahead of last year's UN General Assembly, when Abbas was also denied the opportunity to attend the gathering in New York. The State Department explained the step as stemming in part from Palestinian activity in the international arena, with Washington accusing the Palestinian Authority and PLO of attempting to internationalize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through appeals to the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, as well as promoting unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. The American administration also accused the Palestinian bodies of supporting terrorism.