Iran FM Araghchi Arrives in New York for UN General Assembly
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES — WEB DESK: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in New York to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, leading Iran’s diplomatic delegation amid heightened tensions with the United States and renewed international efforts to contain the regional conflict.
Araghchi arrived on Monday and is expected to hold consultations with foreign ministers and senior officials from several countries on the sidelines of the annual UN gathering. Express Urdu reported that Tehran intends to use the diplomatic forum to present Iran’s positions on regional and international developments.
Shortly after arriving, Araghchi held a telephone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Iranian reporting said the two discussed the General Assembly agenda and the latest regional developments.
Speaking to Iranian journalists, Araghchi said Tehran’s principal objective at the gathering was to defend what he described as the rights, interests and positions of the Iranian people. His comments represent the Iranian government’s stated diplomatic position.
His visit comes after Washington confirmed last week that it would permit a core Iranian delegation — including Araghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian — to attend the General Assembly. The US said restrictions would remain on the delegation’s movement and activities while in New York.
Pezeshkian is also due to participate in the UN gathering and is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, according to current reporting. He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with other leaders and senior officials during his stay.
The Iranian delegation’s presence in New York has drawn particular attention because of speculation about whether the UN gathering could provide an opening for renewed US-Iran diplomacy. Reuters reported Tuesday that markets were watching the possibility of talks during the General Assembly after US President Donald Trump indicated willingness to meet Pezeshkian. No such meeting should be treated as confirmed unless formally announced.
Diplomatic activity is unfolding against continuing regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, Israel and Yemen’s Houthis, as well as disruption to major energy and shipping routes. G7 foreign ministers meeting during UNGA separately called on Iran to stop what they described as support and weapons supplies to the Houthis; Tehran’s position on such allegations should be reported separately and with attribution.
The conflict has also kept global energy markets sensitive to diplomatic developments. Brent crude rose above $102 per barrel on Tuesday, with Reuters reporting that expectations surrounding potential US-Iran engagement were among the factors being watched by traders.
Araghchi’s New York visit therefore places Iran at the centre of several diplomatic tracks during UNGA, ranging from the broader conflict and regional security to the possibility of renewed engagement with Washington.
