Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Araghchi Arrives in New York Amid Iran-US Tensions
Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, went to New York for a large United Nations meeting.
The meeting brings countries together to discuss problems around the world.
Iran and the United States have serious disagreements, and the articles also mention tensions involving Israel and the wider West Asia region.
Araghchi first stopped in Qatar to speak with officials.
Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, is expected to attend and speak on September 23.
Iran says it wants to explain its views about international and regional events.
The reports disagree about US visas, with one saying the delegation’s visas were approved and another saying some members were denied visas.
The United States has also warned that Iranian airlines and businesses helping them could face penalties.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday for the 81st United Nations General Assembly session.
Araghchi stopped in Doha and held discussions with Qatari officials about regional developments before traveling to the United States.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to travel to New York and address the UNGA on September 23.
Reports differ on US visa access: one says visas were approved for the Iranian delegation, while another says some delegates, including media staff, were denied visas.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines and companies supporting them could face restrictions from September 23.
- Who
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iranian officials, Qatari officials and United States officials are involved.
- What
- Araghchi arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
- When
- Araghchi arrived on Monday; the UNGA high-level debate is scheduled for September 22–26 and September 28, with Pezeshkian expected to speak on September 23.
- Where
- New York, after Araghchi stopped in Doha; his arrival was reported at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
- Why
- Iran is attending to present its position on regional and international developments and conduct diplomatic consultations.
Iran’s Position
United States’ Position
Diplomatic access
Iran’s Position
Iran’s state-run news agency reported that some delegation members, including media staff, were denied US visas and described the move as an unprecedented hostile action.
United States’ Position
Another report says the United States approved visas for the Iranian delegation; the articles do not provide a detailed US explanation of the differing visa reports.
Regional conflict
Iran’s Position
Iran plans to present its position on what Tehran calls the “US-Israeli war of aggression” against Iran.
United States’ Position
The articles describe heightened tensions and a broader US sanctions campaign, but do not provide Washington’s account of Iran’s conflict characterization.
Iranian airlines
Iran’s Position
Iranian airlines and businesses supporting them face the prospect of international restrictions as the diplomatic tensions continue.
United States’ Position
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines could be shut down internationally and that foreign airports, fuel suppliers, ticketing companies and other service providers could face secondary sanctions.
- Event
- 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly
- Location
- New York
- UNGA theme
- “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All”
- Iranian speaker
- President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to address the General Assembly on September 23.
- Visa reports
- One report says US visas were approved for the Iranian delegation, while another says some delegates, including media staff, were denied visas.
- US warning
- Scott Bessent warned that Iranian airlines and foreign companies providing services to them could face restrictions from September 23.
- Agenda
- The session includes climate action, sustainable development, sea-level rise and pandemic preparedness.
