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US Grants Visas to Iranian President and Foreign Minister for UN General Assembly in New York

other · 2026-09-18

The Trump administration has approved visas for Iran's core delegation, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend next week's UN General Assembly high-level meeting in New York. The State Department announced the decision on Thursday, also permitting essential staffers to participate. This approval comes despite a stalemated war between the two countries lasting over six months, with no indication that agreements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or resume talks on Iran's nuclear programme are near. US officials, speaking anonymously due to visa privacy laws, confirmed the delegation's composition. President Donald Trump has stated he faces a "big decision" regarding the stalled conflict, specifically whether to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic. The move is considered unusual given the ongoing hostilities and lack of diplomatic progress.

Key facts

  • The US approved visas for Iran's core delegation to attend the UN General Assembly high-level meeting in New York next week.
  • The delegation includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
  • The State Department announced the visa approval on Thursday.
  • Essential staffers were also granted visas to participate in UN meetings.
  • The US and Iran have been engaged in a stalemated war for over six months.
  • No agreements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or return to nuclear talks are close.
  • President Donald Trump said he has a "big decision" to make over the stalled war with Iran.
  • Trump mentioned the option to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic.

Entities

Institutions

  • UN General Assembly
  • State Department
  • Trump administration

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Iran
  • Strait of Hormuz

Sources