Araghchi, Pezeshkian Arrive in New York for UNGA

September 22, 2026

202

Araghchi, Pezeshkian Arrive in New York for UNGA

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian have arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, as Iran prepares for a major diplomatic appearance at the UN amid continuing tensions with the United States.

Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday, September 21, to lead Iran’s diplomatic delegation. Pezeshkian followed on Tuesday ahead of his scheduled address to the UN General Assembly.

Araghchi Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York to participate in the United Nations General Assembly and lead Iran’s diplomatic delegation.

Following his arrival, Araghchi held a phone call with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Iranian state media reported that they discussed the agenda of the General Assembly and issues related to international developments.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Araghchi is leading Iran’s delegation at the current General Assembly session.

Araghchi is also expected to hold discussions and consultations with foreign ministers and other senior officials attending the UN General Assembly.

“Our important objective is to use this major international platform to defend the legitimate rights and interests of the Iranian people,” Iranian media quoted Araghchi as saying.

Before travelling to New York, Araghchi stopped in Doha, Qatar, where he held discussions with Qatari officials. Qatar has been involved in mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington during the conflict.

Pezeshkian Heads to New York for UNGA

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also travelled to New York on Tuesday to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Before departing Tehran, Pezeshkian said Iran would firmly defend its positions in international forums and use the opportunity to present its position to the international community.

“We emerged with our heads held high, and this is a source of dignity and pride for all of us. Therefore, we will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” Pezeshkian said, according to footage broadcast by Iranian state television.

Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, in one of Iran’s most significant international diplomatic appearances since the conflict began.

During his visit to New York, the Iranian president is also expected to meet heads of state and senior officials. His programme includes a meeting with Iranians living in the United States, as well as discussions with American research and academic representatives.

Iran’s IRNA news agency reported that Pezeshkian was seen off at a formal ceremony in Tehran by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Supreme Leader adviser for international affairs Mohsen Qomi and other senior officials.

US Restrictions on Iranian UN Delegation

The United States approved the participation of Pezeshkian, Araghchi and members of Iran’s core delegation in the UN General Assembly despite the ongoing conflict.

The Iranian delegation is subject to movement restrictions in New York, similar to restrictions imposed on Iranian delegations during previous UN visits.

Several members of Pezeshkian’s communications team were not granted visas, according to Iranian officials. Iranian presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbasi described the decision as hostile.

The US restrictions have added another point of tension surrounding Iran’s participation in the UN General Assembly this year.

The United Nations General Assembly’s general debate began on September 22 and runs through September 26, with an additional sitting scheduled for September 28. The meetings are being held at UN Headquarters in New York.

Iran’s Diplomatic Agenda at UNGA 2026

Araghchi and Pezeshkian are expected to use the UN General Assembly as a platform to present Iran’s position on the conflict and wider international issues.

Araghchi’s Doha stopover before travelling to New York also placed Qatar’s mediation role in focus as Tehran and Washington continue to navigate the conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major issue in the dispute. Traffic through the strategic maritime corridor has been severely disrupted since the conflict began, with Iran and the United States maintaining opposing positions over access and maritime restrictions.

The presence of both Iran’s president and foreign minister in New York places Tehran’s diplomatic message at the centre of discussions during the UN’s high-level week.

Other governments and international officials are also using the General Assembly for bilateral meetings and discussions on regional security, the conflict and wider international issues.