The United States has approved visas for Iran’s core delegation to attend next week’s United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week in New York, despite continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

NEW YORK, September 18, 2026 — AALIMI NATION:

According to Reuters, Associated Press and the U.S. State Department, the decision was made in accordance with Washington’s obligations as the host country of the United Nations.

The Iranian delegation will include President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with essential staff.

Pezeshkian Expected to Address UN General Assembly

President Pezeshkian is expected to deliver Iran’s address during the UN General Assembly’s high-level General Debate, which is scheduled to begin on September 22.

World leaders and senior government officials are expected to gather in New York for discussions on international security, ongoing conflicts, diplomacy and other major global issues.

The approval of the Iranian delegation’s visas comes amid continued tensions and hostilities between the United States and Iran. Washington and Tehran have also maintained intermittent diplomatic contacts as efforts continue to address the broader conflict.

Restrictions on Iranian Delegation Remain

While Washington has approved visas for the Iranian delegation, restrictions on the movement of Iranian officials in New York will remain in place.

The delegation is expected to be smaller than in previous years, with Iranian officials subject to longstanding U.S. restrictions governing their movement outside designated areas associated with the United Nations.

Restrictions concerning the purchase of luxury goods will also remain in effect.

The decision underscores the complex diplomatic circumstances surrounding this year’s UN General Assembly, where the United States and Iran continue to face significant differences while maintaining limited diplomatic engagement.

81st UN General Assembly Session

The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly will bring together representatives of UN member states for the annual high-level debate.

The agenda is expected to include discussions on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, climate change, artificial intelligence and broader challenges facing international cooperation.

Despite major geopolitical differences among member states, the UN General Assembly remains one of the principal international forums for diplomatic engagement and dialogue.

Source: Reuters, Associated Press, U.S. State Department
Reported by: Tariq Bhat, AALIMI NATION