US to allow Iran delegation to attend UN meetings in New York as war passes half-year mark
The BBC understands Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are among the delegates allowed to enter the US.
US to permit Iran delegation to attend UN meetings in New York as war reaches six-month point
The US government has issued visas to Iranian officials, allowing them to travel to the UN General Assembly in New York next week, as the war between the two countries moves into its seventh month.
The BBC understands that the main delegation allowed 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 the delegation will be subject to travel restrictions and barred from buying certain American products.
The decision comes as the war shows no sign of ending. Since it began in February, it has pushed up global energy prices and spread 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, Iranian diplomats attending were prohibited from shopping at wholesale stores such as Costco. They also had to obtain US permission before buying luxury items, including jewellery, alcohol and cars.
The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is now under way. The General Debate, the main event of the annual gathering, is scheduled to start on Tuesday.
Tuesday will feature speeches from US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and France President Emmanuel Macron.
Wednesday is expected to include speeches from the leaders of Ukraine, Syria and Iran.
Public and political pressure has increased on the White House to seek 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 started, 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.