Iran delegates allowed to attend UN General Assembly in New York - but can't shop for luxury goods

The State Department has announced that an Iranian delegation will be permitted to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week. This decision follows the US's recent ban on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian leaders from visiting New York for the international gathering, citing their glorification of terrorism.

According to a State Department spokesperson, the Iranian delegation will be smaller than the previous year. While in the United States, the Iranian delegates will face travel restrictions and will not be permitted to shop for luxury goods. The US currently designates Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and is at war with the country.

The Iranian delegation's core members have been granted visas, including President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Pezeshkian. Foreign Minister Pezeshkian is expected to participate in the assembly, similar to last year and in 2024. The UN General Assembly voted to allow Palestinian President Abbas to address the event via video after the US once again denied him a visa.