Iran foreign minister arrives in New York for UN General Assembly

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in New York on Monday, assuming the role of leading Tehran's diplomatic team at the United Nations General Assembly, according to the foreign ministry. This marked the highest-ranking Iranian official's entry into the United States since the Middle East conflict erupted in February following US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

Upon his arrival, Araghchi engaged in a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, discussing the agenda for the upcoming UN General Assembly.

Aragchi highlighted that their primary goal is to utilize the significant international platform to advocate for the legitimacy, rights, and interests of the Iranian people, as conveyed to Iranian journalists. Earlier reports suggested that President Masoud Pezeshkian would lead the Iranian delegation, and the US had denied visas to members of his team, including his communications staff.

However, a social media post from Araghchi's team clarified that he was the head of a diplomatic delegation at the General Assembly. The spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Araghchi would engage in talks and consultations with numerous officials and foreign ministers present at the session.

While the US has permitted an Iranian delegation to travel to New York for the UN gathering, it has maintained restrictions akin to last year. The Iranian delegation will be prohibited from purchasing luxury goods or other items during their stay, as announced by the State Department on Thursday. Araghchi departed Iran on Sunday evening, with a layover in Qatar.

Tehran claims it has communicated conditions to the US, mediated by Qatar, for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping route that has been effectively closed since the war began. In response, the United States is imposing a counterblockade on Iranian ports.