Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is heading to New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to present Tehran’s position on the ongoing conflict and regional tensions.
Pezeshkian departed Iran on Tuesday and is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Before leaving, he said Iran would use the international forum to explain its position and highlight what his government describes as the hardships facing the Iranian people.
‘We Will Firmly Defend Our Positions’
Pezeshkian said Iran would defend its position during international discussions.
“We will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” he said before boarding his flight, according to Iranian state television.
He also said the Iranian delegation would seek to make the most of the UN meeting to communicate Tehran’s concerns to the international community.
The president said the Iranian people had remained determined despite what he described as unfairness and injustice.
US Grants Visas to Iranian Delegation
The Iranian president’s trip comes despite the continuing conflict between Tehran and Washington.
The United States granted visas to Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other members of Iran’s core delegation for the UN meeting.
However, the U.S. State Department has imposed restrictions on the delegation’s movements in New York.
The restrictions have become another point of disagreement between the two governments.
Iranian officials have criticised the decision, while Washington has maintained restrictions on the activities of the Iranian delegation during its stay.
Hormuz Crisis Adds Pressure
The diplomatic gathering is also taking place amid continuing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has said it is prepared to reopen the strategic waterway within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.
The proposal was communicated through mediators as Tehran indicated that the UN General Assembly could provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
The Strait is particularly important to global energy markets because of the volume of oil and other energy products transported through the region.
UNGA Becomes Diplomatic Platform
Pezeshkian’s arrival in New York puts the Iranian government directly before the international community at a crucial moment in the conflict.
Recent reporting indicates that Iranian representatives have been involved in discussions through intermediaries, while the United States has also signalled openness to diplomatic contacts.
Pezeshkian’s speech is expected to outline Iran’s position on the conflict and its broader international concerns.
