From BBC News · · 1m 30s
US lets Iran attend UN despite seven-month war
The US granted visas to Iranian officials for the UN General Assembly, but placed strict limits on their movements and shopping.
In brief
The US granted visas to Iranian officials for the UN General Assembly, but placed strict limits on their movements and shopping. Even during active conflict, countries honor UN host obligations to allow delegations to attend, though the US imposed shopping restrictions to prevent what it called a 'luxury retail…
US grants Iran visas for UN
The US government approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, despite the ongoing war between the two countries.
“Consistent with our host country obligations, the core delegation from the Iranian regime will be able to attend UN General Assembly High Level Week.”
War grinds into seventh month
The conflict between the US and Iran began in February and has driven up global energy prices while expanding into neighboring countries with no end in sight.
Strict travel and shopping limits
The Iranian delegation will face travel restrictions and bans on purchasing luxury goods including jewelry, alcohol, and cars, similar to restrictions imposed last year.
“The delegation will be under travel restrictions and will face prohibitions on the purchase of luxury and other goods per our policy.”
US warns against luxury sales
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott told New York shops to be on guard against selling goods to the Iranian delegation, saying the regime's elites should not exploit the UN for shopping while Iranians face water shortages and inflation.
“We will not let the Iranian regime's elites exploit UNGA for a luxury retail splurge paid for by the Iranian people's suffering.”
Palestinian delegation denied visas
The US denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation for the second consecutive year, as the White House does not recognize the legitimacy of the Palestinian delegation.
What matters most
Even during active conflict, countries honor UN host obligations to allow delegations to attend, though the US imposed shopping restrictions to prevent what it called a 'luxury retail splurge'.
