Iran to attend UN assembly, blasts US/Israel, demands withdrawal from region

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is attending the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, despite escalating tensions and an ongoing conflict with the United States. The Iranian delegation, which also includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived with their visas granted by the US, fulfilling its obligations as the UN host nation. However, the US has implemented travel restrictions and prohibited the purchase of luxury goods for the Iranian officials during their visit, and the delegation is reportedly smaller than in previous years.

The current climate between Washington and Tehran is marked by significant hostility, with both countries described as being "at war" since February 2026. This conflict follows a US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tensions are further exacerbated by Iran's threats to restrict shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and Red Sea shipping routes.

Amidst this backdrop, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the General Assembly on September 23, with US President Donald Trump also slated to speak and hold meetings with Gulf leaders regarding the conflict. While Iran maintains that its participation in the UNGA is a "legal right" to voice its positions, US officials have indicated that discussions during the assembly will likely focus on confronting international conflicts and the threat of Iran's nuclear program.