Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to strongly defend Tehran’s position on the international stage as he departed for New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Speaking on Tuesday before leaving Iran, Pezeshkian said his country had emerged from the current crisis “with its head held high” and that Iran would firmly defend its position at international forums.
“We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran’s plight to the international community,” Pezeshkian said. He added that Iran would make clear to its adversaries that, despite what he described as injustice and wrongdoing, the Iranian people remained steadfast.
Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. He is expected to use the international forum to present Tehran’s account of the conflict and outline Iran’s position on the ongoing regional crisis.
First High-Level Iranian Visit to US Since War Began
Pezeshkian’s trip marks the first visit to the United States by an Iranian president since the war between Iran and the United States and Israel began in late February. He will be the highest-ranking Iranian official to enter the United States since the conflict began.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday ahead of Pezeshkian and is leading preparations for the Iranian delegation’s participation in the UN meetings.
Washington Imposes Restrictions on Iranian Delegation
The United States has agreed to allow a core Iranian delegation, including Pezeshkian and Araghchi, to attend the General Assembly in line with its obligations as host of the United Nations headquarters. However, Washington has imposed restrictions on the delegation’s movement and purchases.
The Iranian delegation will be smaller than in previous years, with members subject to restrictions on where they can travel in the New York area. The US has also denied visas to some members of Pezeshkian’s delegation, including members of his communications team, according to Iranian state media.
The visit comes as Washington and Tehran remain engaged in a broader confrontation while diplomatic contacts continue. The United Nations gathering is therefore providing one of the few major international forums where senior officials from the two sides will be present in the same city.
