Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, saying he will firmly defend Iran’s positions and use the international gathering to present Tehran’s account of the conflict with the United States and Israel.
Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday, September 22, before leaving Iran for the United States. His trip comes amid continuing regional tensions and renewed diplomatic activity surrounding the conflict.
The Iranian president is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, where international attention is likely to focus on Iran’s position on the war, its relations with Washington and the wider security situation in the Middle East.
Pezeshkian Pledges to Defend Iran’s Position
Speaking before his departure, Pezeshkian said Iran would use the UN gathering to communicate its position to the international community.
Iranian state television quoted him as saying that Tehran had emerged from the conflict with its “head held high” and would firmly defend its positions in international forums.
At a separate press conference in Tehran, Pezeshkian said the UN meeting provided an opportunity to explain the difficulties faced by the Iranian people as well as what he described as their strength.
He also said he would meet politicians, cultural figures and media representatives during his visit to communicate Iran’s position and its account of events.
First Major Iranian Visit to US Amid War
Pezeshkian’s visit is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing US-Iran conflict that began with US-Israeli strikes against Iran in February.
Channels Television, citing AFP, reported that Pezeshkian would become the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit US territory since the beginning of the conflict.
The United States has approved the attendance of Pezeshkian and members of the core Iranian delegation at the UN, but Washington has imposed restrictions on their movements.
According to Reuters, the Iranian delegation will be subject to limitations that generally restrict its movements to the United Nations headquarters, Iran’s UN mission, the Iranian ambassador’s residence and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Iranian Communications Team Denied Visas
Pezeshkian’s trip has also been accompanied by a dispute over the composition of the Iranian delegation.
Iranian officials said members of the president’s communications team were not authorised to travel to the United States because they were denied visas.
Iranian presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbasi described the decision as hostile, according to reports carried by Channels Television and other outlets.
The restrictions add another layer to an already tense diplomatic environment between Washington and Tehran.
UN Assembly Comes Amid Search for Diplomatic Openings
Pezeshkian’s appearance at the UN comes as diplomatic attention increasingly centres on whether Washington and Tehran can find a path towards negotiations.
US President Donald Trump has indicated that he remains open to meeting Pezeshkian during the UN General Assembly, while Iran has continued to outline conditions for any possible negotiations.
Reuters reported on Tuesday that oil prices had risen amid expectations surrounding possible US-Iran discussions at the UN, although the diplomatic outlook remained uncertain. Brent crude was trading above $102 a barrel in Tuesday’s session.
The potential for diplomatic engagement therefore extends beyond the two countries, given the conflict’s impact on energy markets and shipping routes in the Middle East.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Concern
One of the central issues surrounding the conflict is the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments normally passes.
Disruptions in the region have already affected energy markets, with oil prices remaining highly sensitive to developments involving Iran, the United States and regional armed groups.
Reuters reported that the conflict and disruptions affecting regional shipping have contributed to continued uncertainty in global energy markets.
For countries heavily dependent on imported energy, prolonged instability could have consequences for fuel prices, transportation costs and inflation.
Iran’s Message at the UN
Pezeshkian’s planned appearance gives Tehran an opportunity to present its position directly before representatives of countries gathered for the annual UN debate.
Iran is expected to use the platform to discuss the conflict, its relations with the United States and what Tehran considers to be its rights under international law.
The Iranian president has already indicated that his delegation will seek to explain what he described as the hardships suffered by the Iranian population while presenting Iran’s position on the international stage.
Other world leaders are also attending the 81st General Assembly, making New York a major centre of diplomatic activity this week.
US-Iran Tensions Remain Central to Global Diplomacy
The Pezeshkian visit comes at a time when the conflict involving Iran has become one of the major issues facing the international community.
Reuters reported that Trump is holding a series of meetings with world leaders during the UN gathering, with Iran and other international conflicts among the major issues on the diplomatic agenda.
The possibility of direct or indirect US-Iran engagement is therefore being closely watched, although neither side has confirmed that the UN meeting will produce a substantive breakthrough.
For Iran, Pezeshkian’s presence provides a high-level platform to articulate Tehran’s position. For the United States and other governments, the gathering provides an opportunity for diplomatic discussions while the conflict continues.
What Happens Next
Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, September 23.
His speech is expected to set out Iran’s position on the conflict and broader international issues. He is also expected to hold meetings with foreign officials and other representatives on the sidelines of the UN gathering.
Whether those engagements produce progress towards renewed negotiations remains uncertain.
For now, Pezeshkian’s departure marks an important diplomatic moment for Iran as the country seeks to present its case internationally while tensions with Washington remain unresolved.
Sources
- Associated Press (AFP) — reporting on Pezeshkian’s departure and planned UN appearance.
- Reuters — reporting on US-Iran diplomacy, UN access restrictions and the impact of the conflict on energy markets.
- Channels Television — report on Pezeshkian’s UN trip and restrictions affecting the Iranian delegation.
- Tasnim News Agency — reporting on Pezeshkian’s planned UN address and statements before his departure.
- United Nations — information on the 81st General Assembly and its high-level general debate.
