IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN NEW YORK FOR UNGA AMID REGIONAL TENSIONS

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in New York to lead Tehran’s diplomatic delegation at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Araghchi arrived on Monday, September 21, ahead of the high-level meetings at the UN headquarters. His visit comes amid continuing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel following the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East.

Araghchi travelled to New York through Doha, Qatar, where he held discussions with Qatari officials on regional developments before continuing to the United States. Following his arrival, he spoke by telephone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, with both sides discussing issues on the General Assembly agenda as well as efforts relating to international peace and security.

The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran’s main objective at the gathering was to use the UN as an international platform to present what it considers the rights, interests and legitimate claims of the Iranian people. He also criticised what he described as a loss of confidence in international institutions and said Iran intended to raise issues surrounding the ongoing regional conflicts and the role of the international community.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Araghchi would hold meetings and consultations with several officials and foreign ministers attending the UN session. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to travel to New York and address the General Assembly, with the Iranian delegation’s participation coming under restrictions imposed by the United States, including limits on certain purchases during the visit.

The visit is taking place against the backdrop of wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran and the United States, with Qatar serving as one of the channels for communication between the two sides. Tehran has also communicated conditions for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while Washington has imposed restrictions on Iranian ports. The 81st UN General Assembly’s General Debate began on September 22 and will run until September 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”