Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday to participate in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). According to Iran's state-run news agency IRNA, Araghchi is expected to hold consultations on the latest regional developments during the UNGA High-Level Week. His arrival comes as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to travel to New York on Tuesday to participate in the 81st session of the UNGA.
President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, during the morning session. He is also expected to hold meetings and consultations with leaders and senior officials from several countries on the sidelines of the UNGA. Pezeshkian's programme in New York will include meetings with educated Iranians living in the United States, as well as discussions with American elites and think tanks. A high-ranking Iranian delegation will accompany the President during the visit.
However, the US government has denied visas to some members of the high-ranking Iranian delegation, including members of the President's media team. This has been described as an unprecedented hostile action by Washington. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is being held under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All."
The high-level general debate is scheduled to take place from September 22-26 and on September 28 in New York, with world leaders expected to discuss major international challenges. The session's agenda also includes high-level meetings on climate action, development, sea-level rise, pandemic preparedness, and other global issues.
Meanwhile, United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively shut out of international travel from Wednesday, September 23. Bessent stated that all Iranian airlines will be shut down around the world due to Washington's threat of secondary sanctions against foreign companies that continue providing services to Iran's carriers.
The warning extends beyond Iranian airlines to foreign airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies, and other businesses involved in supporting the carriers' international operations. This move is part of the Trump administration's broader sanctions campaign aimed at restricting Iran's access to international financial and commercial networks.
The Iran delegation's arrival comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France and the US will act together to ease energy market tensions and protect the Strait of Hormuz. The developments are being closely watched as the international community gathers for the UNGA session.
Key points
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in New York for the 81st UNGA session.
- US Treasury Secretary warns of sanctions against foreign companies supporting Iranian airlines.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to address the UN General Assembly on September 23.
