Pezeshkian to address UN General Assembly on Wednesday

September 22, 2026 at 06:29 PM2 min

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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran on Tuesday for the UN General Assembly in New York, where he is scheduled to address the 193-member body on Wednesday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is already in New York and will hold meetings on the sidelines. The visit comes as the US tightens economic pressure through sanctions and a naval blockade on southern Iranian ports.

Key Facts

Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the 193-member UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York earlier and will hold meetings on the sidelines.
The Iranian delegation will stay in New York for five days and return to Tehran on Saturday.
The US denied visas to Pezeshkian's accompanying media team and imposed tight restrictions on their movement.
The war started by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 continues, with disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz affecting global energy prices.

Delegation and Agenda

Pezeshkian departed Tehran on Tuesday morning local time, joined by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials. He told reporters before boarding that the delegation will raise the plight of the Iranian nation, crimes committed against it, and the distrust that has been created. Pezeshkian warned that renewed use of force by Iran's foes would be counterproductive, saying, "We will make the enemies disappointed." Araghchi said his main goals during meetings on the sidelines will be to defend the rights and interest of the Iranian people.

Grievances and UN Criticism

Araghchi slammed the UN's lacklustre performance in establishing peace and security, saying trust in the organisation has been lost due to its ineffectiveness. He said the Minab school bombing by the US and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the war would be among the issues Iran will raise at the UN. The war started by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 continues, with disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz that have affected global energy prices.

US Restrictions and Visit Plans

The US has denied visas to Pezeshkian's accompanying media team and imposed tight restrictions on their movement in the country, according to the president's office. Iranian delegates will also be barred from buying luxury goods during their stay. Pezeshkian plans to hold discussions with Iranian expatriates, intellectuals, think tanks and media in the coming days. The UNGA brings together representatives of nearly 130 countries at the body's headquarters in New York.