Can US deny visas to foreign officials attending UN General Assembly?

The United States has approved visas for a limited number of Iranian officials to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which starts next week, according to an emailed statement from the State Department. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with the US remaining in conflict with Iran. This decision contrasts with visa denials to Palestinian officials for the same event.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott expressed concern over Iranian officials exploiting the UNGA for luxury shopping, criticizing the regime for profiting from the suffering of ordinary Iranians. The visas issued will limit the delegation's movements in Manhattan and reduce the number of visiting officials compared to last year.

The delegation is expected to include Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi.