US Approves Visas for Iranian Leaders to Attend UNGA Amid War

The United States has approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the United Nations General Assembly high-level week next week, a decision that comes as the two nations remain locked in a seven-month war. The State Department announced the visas on Thursday, emphasizing that it was consistent with U.S. obligations as the host country for the United Nations. "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 State Department spokesperson said. However, the delegation will be smaller than last year and subject to travel restrictions and prohibitions on purchasing luxury goods, officials added. This move is unusual given the ongoing conflict, which began after U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025. The war has led to a military stalemate, with no progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz or resuming talks on Iran's nuclear program. The disruption of this vital chokepoint, which handles roughly 20% of global seaborne energy transit, has driven up oil prices worldwide.