{
  "id": 8276486,
  "title": "US approves visas for Iranian officials to attend United Nations General Assembly",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/us-approves-visas-for-iranian-officials-to-attend-united-nations",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T17:22:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Middle East Eye",
    "slug": "middle-east-eye",
    "url": "https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/trump-administration-approves-visas-iranian-officials-attend-united-nations-annual-meeting"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "US approves visas for Iranian officials to attend United Nations General Assembly Submitted by MEE staff on Fri, 09/18/2026 - 17:15 This comes as the US remains in open violent conflict with Iran, and follows visa denials to Palestinian officials for the same event Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on 1…",
  "key_points": [
    "US grants visas to limited Iranian officials for UNGA",
    "Contrasts with denials to Palestinian officials for same event",
    "State Dept. criticizes Iran for exploiting UNGA for profit"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Can US deny visas to foreign officials attending UN General Assembly?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/can-us-deny-visas-to-foreign-officials-attending-un-general-assembly",
        "published": "2026-09-18T11:50:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}